SaaSMaster

Strategic Partnerships Manager

Trade shows

I know it's been discussed before, but with how much they're changing, has anyone been to trade shows recently and do they seem to be returning back to normal? It's been a few months since I was at one but those last couple still had awful attendance so I'm curious if attendance is picking back up

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☁️ Software Tech

33 comments

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paddy

WR Officer

Director of Business Development

They're picking back up for sure. Really depends on the city though.

CoorsKing

WR Officer

Retired King of the Coors Knights

Paddy basically lives at trade shows - take this man for his word. And if you are at LeadsCon I’m pretty sure he could use some Advil if he’s still there

funcoupons

WR Officer

👑

Advil and an AK

paddy

WR Officer

Director of Business Development

This is true. I live off of a corporate card, vodka, Advil, and nachos from hotel lobby bars. But sadly I'm not there anymore. I had to flee to the city before the authorities discovered I was illegally there again

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Damn nachos sound 🔥

paddy

WR Officer

Director of Business Development

Nachos always sound 🔥

ChiefGreef45

Catalyst

Account Executive

Been to a couple this year. Definitely depends on the city. Just got back from one in Vegas that seemed like it had full attendance.

poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

☕️

My team has been to 5 since I got here two months ago. They’re hosting happy hours and dinners as the title sponsor or with our key prospects.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

I really hope things don't get back to "normal." Hoping we've learned, grown, and are implementing healthy changes moving forward.

FinanceEngineer

Politicker

Sr Director, sales and partnerships

I had an on-site after the trade show last week. Once every other month seems to be the plan going forward for those. Excited to travel, but not every week.

1nbatopshotfan

Politicker

Sales

Agreed. I think big meetings or events in person and dumping the grind of in the road every week or two weeks is gone for me.

DasPeruvian

Contributor

Growth Manager

Curious to know what you mean about healthy changes? Like less travel and in-person meetings?

SirCloseAlot23

Politicker

Business Development

agreed.

1nbatopshotfan

Politicker

Sales

Did one recently. It was like the before times, but more casual. I think everyone outgrew their suits and went business casual. Loved it. Had to show vax status to get in. Few if any masks.

SaaSam

Politicker

Account Executive

I'll be going to my first one in years the week after next in Vegas

SaaSMaster

Politicker

Strategic Partnerships Manager

Hope it’s a successful trip for you!

Gyro25

Notorious Answer

Account Executive

I'll be going to one end of April. Second one in Vegas. It's a fun time, but pretty damn exhausting too.

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Yes, they are picking up. I'm off to one in 2 weeks - very excited. And there are several more lined up for the year. I find trade shows to be very worthwhile for me.

Justatitle

Big Shot

Account Executive

Back and almost back in full force. Everyone wants an excuse to get away from their spouse and kids...

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

Im in the same boat! heading to my first in a few years in a month.

hopefully florida is still a fun place haha

SADNESSLieutenant

Politicker

Officer of ♥️

whats the covid retention rate for these trade shows

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

Rolling 20's all day

The last trade show I went to was huge, but had less attendance than previous years. Was kind of a wash for me. I don't think it's not worth it, just your mileage may vary.

FinanceEngineer

Politicker

Sr Director, sales and partnerships

Yeah, I was just at HIMSS and posted on here about it. Multiple late nights at events, dinners, abs cigar bars. Was a lot of fun

TheIncarceration

Politicker

SDR Manager

I've been to 2 since December 2021. The show in December had a pretty good turnout, but the more recent one was mehhh at best

DustFrog

Catalyst

Business Development Manager

Trade shows are like 75% back it seems. I've been to 3-4 in the last 6 months and there's significant action. Most venues don't even have restrictions any more.

FilterNerd

Member

Territory Sales Manager

Been to two this year and one was last week. Nice to see people in person and it really is picking back up. I’m sure some shows are still hit ans miss though.

meetalk

Good Citizen

Account Executive

Sitting at one in Atlanta right now. It may be a little slower but feels like it’s back to normal. Only a few masks and a good mix of people.

OldSchoolEightiesStyle

Good Citizen

Global Vice President

Trade Shows are as useful as fax machines. Just an outdated forum, that at best is a marketing play. Most companies already know that but are afraid to pull back for the dumbest reasons. There's more productive ways to sell and get leads.

chips_aHeu

Opinionated

Channel Sales Manager

Ive been to 3 shows this year alone. All heavily attended but mixed attire. Personally go for a sportcoat/button down/jeans. Decent traction shortterm too. People are genuinely more excited to see human beings (even “vendors”) in person than I remember previously, too.

Socially, it’s been absolutely outrageous as you can tell it’s a lot of people’s first time in society in many moons. People acting absolutely ignorant after 4 too many drinks.

And nothing but masks off.

Jbeans

Opinionated

Director of Sales

Last one I was at was October of last year. Felt like it was ok actually in terms of attendance- almost like the people that did show up were actually there to see things, vs just get out of work :)

ClutchDeluxe

Valued Contributor

asking people for money

I’m kind of nervous, I’ve got my first big one in a few weeks so I went to a small networking event locally to warm up. And daaaamn my ‘work the room’ skills are dusty af

SalesGal

Politicker

Account Executive

We had a major one that was supposed to happen this month (in person) and it was postponed to this summer instead. All other trade shows have mostly been virtual trade shows.

SirCloseAlot23

Politicker

Business Development

I personally hate trade shows. Turn out is always here and there.