Like most of you, Charli and I have been preparing for this upcoming tradeshow season.  Want to know our secret to maximizing exposure while attending a tradeshow? We’d like to introduce you to the #hashtag.  This # symbol, followed by a word with no spaces, is used in tweets to mark keywords or topics as a way to categorize Tweets. In Tweets, the hashtag will become a hyperlink that you can click to search recent tweets with that hashtag included in them.

You’re probably thinking, “Okay, but how will this help my tradeshow exposure?” Planned events routinely have their own #hashtag. This is usually promoted months before the show has even began. This is a great way for people to interact during live conferences and enable those who are not able to attend to follow the conversation on Twitter and participate in the discussion. #Hashtags also allow you to monitor and analyze what others are saying about the event. Let me give you an example.

Here are a few tips when participating in the #hashtag discussion for a tradeshow…

·      Start Tweeting BEFORE the show! Start using the #hashtag weeks or even months before the show to promote your company. Tweet the #hashtag to share information with your audience. Tweet your booth number. Tweet to prospective clients that you look forward to seeing them. Tweet to media/publications to let them know that you will be releasing a new product.

·      During the show will be the most valuable time to tweet. This is when there will be the loudest buzz around the tradeshow, and you want to be a part of that. Stand out among your exhibitors by engaging in conversation, prompting and answering questions, post photos, and give out prizes! (Who doesn’t love another free t-shirt?!)

·      After the show, continue to engage. Just because the show is over, doesn’t mean the conversation has to be.

Here is a list of the shows we plan to attend in the upcoming months, along with their official #hashtag. We look forward to seeing you there. Happy Tweeting!

PumpTec 2012 – #PumpTec

Pump/Turbomachinery Symposia – #PumpTurbo12

MINExpo – #mine12

WEFTEC – #WEFTEC

SMRP – #SMRP20

PowerGen – #POWERGEN

About my guest blogger:

Jessica Hottinger is the Social Media Manager