SOCIAL MEDIA EXPERT SHARES STRATEGY FOR TAKING PART IN A BUSINESS SHOW

SOCIAL media expert Esther James is helping business owners make the most of the opportunities provided by exhibiting at a show or trade expo.

The MD of consultancy Socialable is hosting her Master Class For Business Show Exhibitors on Wednesday November 20 at the OneUp Coworking Training Room, Arclight House, 3 Unity Street, Bristol BS1 5HH from 10am to 5pm. 

Esther has found many business owners, or their staff, pay for a stand at a show and then plan nothing around it, missing out on valuable opportunities before, during and after the event itself. 

She says it’s not uncommon to find, business owners invest and:

• Turn up late and are still dressing their stand when guests arrive.
• Sit behind their stand on their smartphone or tablet, avoiding eye contact.
• Don’t consider how their stand will attract attention and stand out in packed room.
• Don’t have enough staff so they can have an ‘in the moment’ discussion with a potential client who is busy however is present on that day. 
• Don’t engage on social media to highlight their commitment to the event. 

She said: “All too often, business owners book their place at a show, turn up, go home and nothing happens. As with many things in business, to justify the investment, a plan and strategy to make the most of the day is key to success. 

“My workshop is ideal for any business planning to exhibit at a business show for the first time – or who have been many times and feel it’s a waste of time. Delegates will learn how to create more opportunities through visuals across social media and through PR to create engagement before the event. I’ll show them ways to make appointments and start conversations before and on the day and then what to do next.

“This small workshop will give everyone the tools and a plan to make their exhibition experience positive and valuable in the short, medium and long term.”

Esther James, 40, created her consultancy Socialable in 2015 offering training courses; one to one tuition, full social media management and one-off comprehensive social media packages around a key event or product launch.

Before starting her own business, she had a 15-year career in communications at a corporate level and, more recently, in the SME sector. She has worked within the Environment Agency in the then chief executive’s office as a project officer. Her role included corporate strategy, event, conference and workshop organisation, management and marketing. She was also integral to supporting scientists with communications around their important work and helped them share their findings in an appropriate and informative manner. 

To find out more about Esther’s workshop or to book a place from £145 go to eventbrite.