Exhibiting at CEDIA Expo? Here’s How to Prep Like a Pro
CEDIA Expo success starts long before you arrive on the show floor. From securing editorial opportunities and submitting award entries to preparing your team for press meetings, early planning can help maximize your visibility, strengthen your brand, and create lasting industry relationships. In this blog, Caster shares practical strategies for exhibitors looking to make the most of their investment and stand out before, during, and after the show.
Sarah Hales
It’s the beginning of summer, and while you might be planning when you can take your next beach day or which ice cream shop you want to try next, we’re thinking about CEDIA Expo. The next ten weeks are going to fly by, and you’ll get a notification to check into your flight to Denver before you know it.
At Caster, our general rule of thumb is it’s never too early to start preparing for a tradeshow. Whether you’re a tradeshow veteran or new to the crew, it’s crucial to thoroughly prepare yourself and your team for an event that can significantly impact your business’s reputation in the industry and future success with customers.
Wondering how you should prepare to get the most out of exhibiting at CEDIA Expo? Let’s dive in.
Get in the Media
There is a plethora of editorial opportunities available around this time of the year to get your brand exposure prior to the show. Many industry publications request summaries of exhibitors’ CEDIA Expo plans and predictions. Participating in these opportunities is an easy and effective way to grab the attention of press and potential clients that are looking to fill their schedules at the show. Take advantage of these freebies (especially if you’re a new exhibitor!) and you may attract attendees and press who are interested in your brand to stop by your booth and learn more about your offerings.
Deadlines for these editorial opportunities begin around the middle of July, so you still have plenty of time to submit them. Before you submit your responses, be sure to check when the publications are planning to publish your content. Some of the pieces will be posted before the show starts, so be careful not to spill any news that is under embargo until the show.
Win a Trophy
If you’re showing off a new product or innovation at the show, consider submitting it for an award or two. Winning an award distinguishes your product in the competitive market and provides increased brand recognition and validation.
Some of the awards that are currently open for submissions include:
Although these programs require a fee, winners will not only receive a physical trophy at the show, but also a digital promotional asset that the company can share on its website and social media platforms for the world to see.
Prepare to Meet Press
One of the most valuable parts of exhibiting at a trade show is connecting with press. Meeting industry editors in person and initiating a personal relationship with them can benefit your company for years to come as they consider your team to contribute articles or offer insights on breaking news. That said, you want to be prepared so you can effectively communicate what your company is about when the press approaches your booth.
In addition to press releases and corresponding assets, you should prepare show messaging that captures your company mission, brand story, show objectives, product details, key talking points and answers to FAQs. Each member of your team attending the show should align on these points, so your messaging is consistent and unified when speaking with booth visitors.
Caster likes to take it a step further and compile a PR Handbook for each client that exhibits at CEDIA Expo. These include links to digital press kits, a map of the booth, event details, press appointment details, a bio and contact information for each press person scheduled, booth tour messaging and FAQs. Our clients love going into the show knowing that the entire crew is thoroughly prepared to represent their brand and execute a seamless show.
It’s Showtime
It requires weeks of work and preparation to exhibit at CEDIA Expo. Staying on top of editorial opportunity deadlines, drafting awards submissions, and compiling press materials can take what you’ll get out of the show to the next level.
If you choose to work with a PR agency like us, we’ll take care of tracking and submitting any relevant editorial opportunities and awards, compiling press materials, connecting you with press at the show, and tracking your post-show success. If you’re curious to learn more about our approach to supporting clients for trade shows, reach out to us with any questions.
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