9 Ways Event Networking Apps Drive Better Lead Generation at Trade Shows

The days of trade exhibitions are long gone. In the past, visitors would go around booths with a bundle of pamphlets in the hopes of running into the proper person. These days, everything is a little more digital, faster, and smarter. Freebies aren't all that attendees desire. They want intelligent networking, real-time communication, and helpful relationships. The event networking software may help with that. As an exhibitor, marketer, or event planner, you are well aware of the demand to generate quality leads. However, things might go more smoothly if you have the correct resources. An effective event networking tool facilitates participants' conversations with the appropriate individuals and improves lead generation for companies.

How do these applications do this, then? Here are nine easy methods:

1. Smart Matchmaking for Improved Targeting

Thousands of people congregate during trade events. However, it's difficult to determine who to contact in the absence of an appropriate framework. An event matchmaking software might be useful in this situation. It displays guests and exhibitors who would be a good match for their interests based on profile data. Suppose a software provider is present at a technology gathering. Based on user preferences, the software may pair them with company founders or IT managers rather than speculating about who could use their services. Time and effort are saved in this way. Additionally, the leads that are generated are more relevant.

2. Scheduling Pre-Event Meetings

Before the event even starts, consumers may schedule meetings with a lot of event networking services. This implies that participants don't just arrive and begin from the beginning. A few of their meetings are already scheduled. This enables exhibitors to meet genuine prospects and make better use of their time. Those who reserve time in advance have already shown interest. Since they are warm leads, there is a greater likelihood that they will convert. Additionally, by understanding who they will be speaking with, exhibitors may better arrange their personnel and presentation.

3. Easy Lead Capture

The days of manually entering data and scanning business cards are long gone. With a single click, exhibitors may gather leads using the majority of event networking tools. All of the information is saved by simply scanning a QR code or selecting "Connect" inside the app. Additionally, it goes beyond just storing emails and names. The follow-up may be more intimate since the lead profiles often include prior activities, hobbies, and employment titles.

4. Instantaneous Communication In the Course of the Event

Push alerts and live chat facilitate contact during the trade fair. Let's say a prospective customer passes a booth but doesn't remember to come back later. The exhibitor may message them or request a meeting via the app. Instant communication ensures that the lead remains active. Additionally, it keeps the brand visible even in a busy hallway.

5. Engagement During Sessions Becomes Leads

The app offers an additional method of identifying possible leads if it also facilitates live polling, Q&A, and session check-ins. Interest is already being shown by those who engage with your session or material. Following the event, you may use these signals to get in touch. "We appreciate you coming to our product demo. Would you like to discuss our offerings in more detail?" seems natural and is probably going to get responses.

6. Increased Exposure of Exhibitors

It might be intimidating to attend trade events. Many guests are unsure about which booths to visit. However, companies get greater exposure using an event networking app that allows for brief introductions, lists exhibitors, and filters by product type. Exhibitors may obtain direct meeting requests and show up in search results rather than waiting around hoping someone would stop by. Additionally, your booth receives a boost even before the event starts if it is listed among the top matches in an event matchmaking software.

7. Instantaneous Lead Evaluation

Some applications allow you to tag leads instantaneously rather than gathering hundreds of contacts and organizing them later. They might be marked as "follow-up," "cold," or "hot." You may also include comments on their questions or areas of interest. When you follow up, this is helpful. You're not simply sending everyone the same basic email. You know who sought a demo, who inquired about prices, and who said, "Maybe next quarter."

8. Improving Return on Investment for Sponsors and Exhibitors

At trade exhibitions, lead generation plays a significant role in ROI. Justifying the expenditure is made simpler when you can demonstrate that your booth generated 250 leads, 90 of which fit your desired profile, and 30 of which resulted in scheduled appointments. Following the event, the top event networking apps provide reports. The quantity of views, clicks, meetings, and leads obtained is all included in these reports. Exhibitors may use this information to assess performance and make plans for next events.

9. Tools for Follow-Up After Events

A trade show's true worth extends beyond the events that take place there. What you do thereafter is what matters. A robust event networking platform equips you with the means to promptly follow up. You may perform a quick survey, send thank-you letters, and export leads. After the event, some applications even allow you to continue speaking with your leads for a few days. As long as the interest is still there, this keeps the discussion flowing.

Concluding Remarks

These days, trade exhibitions are more than simply gaudy displays and foot traffic. Meaningful engagement is the focus of these. The goal is to locate the appropriate individuals at the appropriate moment. An event networking software may assist with that.

Make sure the app being used has these capabilities if you're organizing a trade exhibition or even considering attending one. An excellent event networking platform is more than simply a perk, regardless of your role as organizer, sponsor, or exhibitor. The machine is made of lead. Additionally, don't use the most well-known app if you're searching for the greatest event networking app. Select the one that facilitates meeting, communication, and follow-up and aligns with your event objectives.