Trade Show Tune Up

Symposium will feature new interactive opportunities between exhibitors, attendees

By Heather Carew
As we enter the final planning stage of the 19th Annual Snow & Ice Symposium set for June 22-24 in Providence, RI, we wanted to share some upgrades and changes we've made for this year to improve the trade show experience. The two-day trade show features the latest and greatest industry innovations. It's also a once-a-year opportunity for suppliers to get direct feedback from the marketplace about their products. We are working hard to make this experience even better this year through the following:

1:1 meetings
The trade show is a wonderful way to experience the innovation and sophistication of the snow industry. But the show has become popular and busy enough that we hear from attendees and exhibitors that they want more one-on-one time with key contacts during floor time. Considering that, this year we are unveiling off-hour meeting opportunities. A SIMA 1:1 at the show will enable a show attendee to proactively schedule protected time with a key exhibitor in a quiet location on or near the floor. All preregistered attendees can sign up for one or more 1:1 meetings using a simple scheduling system. To schedule a meeting, visit www.sima.org/LetsMeet. Each 1:1 will include a reminder of the date/time and a SIMA usher to lead the attendee to the appropriate location at the scheduled time. 

Navigation revisited
SIMA took a big step this year as a maturing trade show by investing in navigation software to help attendees and suppliers navigate the trade show floor. Visit www.sima.org/showfloor for an interactive floor map. This features the ability to hover over booths and get more detailed information about exhibitors. It also empowers anyone to search the exhibitor list by categories such as technology/software, salt, heavy equipment, etc. The bonus is that the Web-based system will be available long after the show is over, so you can find and review all of our exhibitors as needed. Our goal is to make your time on the trade show floor as efficient as possible, so you can get the tools you need and build the relationships that sustain your business. On-site, watch for a new trade show floor map pullout in the Xtra show guide.

Relationships enhanced
Lead retrieval units for each exhibitor are another new feature included this year.* We pride ourselves in being an exhibitor-friendly show with noncompete trade show hours, free food and beer, and more. Now we are enhancing the ability for exhibitors to connect post-show with individuals who visit their booths through our lead retrieval systems. This benefits attendees as well, since they can be assured that most exhibitors that they want to connect with will follow up with them after the show, even if they forgot their business cards.

App-tastic
If you haven't tried the Symposium app yet, this is the year to do it! Aside from having your own personalized schedule for all education and networking events, you can access all trade show-related information and link to other event attendees. Visit https://guidebook.com/g/2016SnowShow/. 

We are always open to feedback and suggestions on how we can improve your trade show experience, email Heather@sima.org. Learn more about the Symposium and register today at www.sima.org/show. 

Heather Carew is Manager, Membership & Sponsor Development, for SIMA. *Note: Exhibitors must be an active member to qualify for free device.