Simple enough? Well not so simple but doable. I developed a workflow that allows companies to gather, track and follow up on the attendees who stop by their booth. I can't get into the how as that is propriety but the results are impressive to the client which is what they are looking for. Most tradeshow booths offer giveaways if a business card is left or information is filled out on a card but that ends there. When photography is used it creates a permanent image of the client that is helpful in many marketing applications. One of those is the ability to send a Thank you email filled with information about the product or service and with their photo attached for stopping by which is more personal than an email that will likely just be go straight to the junk folder. Another marketing use is placing the photo on Flickr and giving a card out to the attendee that tells them how to get the photo but would have them go to the companie's website first which increase web traffic which we all know helps SEO. Convention Photography, Onsite Printing Photography and Event Photography are just a few of the services that we offer here at Professional Images Photography that can have Social Media intergrated. Email me if you more information about this service and how we can help you.

At your next tradeshow, you'll likely be competing with numerous organizations for the attention of a finite pool of attendees. Take into account, too, that those attendees have likely predetermined which booths they'll visit. The task of capturing (and keeping) their attention, therefore, is downright daunting. The solution may lie with mobile.

Continual improvement of mobile technology has already made a significant impact on the world of tradeshow marketing. Consider, for example, how the use of QR (quick response) codes mirrored the adoption of smartphones. QR codes already allow attendees to interact, to a limited extent, with presenters and booths, but they also have the potential to make a lasting impact.

A QR code provides a call to action that's usually more compelling than one that comes from thumbing through a mountain of brochures. The content—whether an app, website, whitepaper, or otherwise—is more likely to last longer on the attendee's smartphone than a leaflet might in a purse or pocket.

But how can you take mobile interaction a full step further in a way that pulls people over to your booth and makes them stay?

If you've ever been to a tradeshow with at least one very popular exhibit, you know that a cluster of people huddling around a booth causes a perpetual crowd in that area, with everyone gathering to see what all the fuss is about.

Apply the following tips, and those running the booth next to yours will rue the day they had to compete with you.

1. Build an interactive game

A game has several obvious benefits: It allows your audience to engage with your brand and your brand's content, it serves as a great ice breaker, and it builds buzz. But a game is also memorable, a quality you shouldn't underestimate, considering the average tradeshow attendee visits at least two dozen booths.

Don't make the game overly complex. The game should be easy, fun, and casual; but, ultimately, it should be tied to your value proposition. Make sure you test the game many times before unveiling it at the tradeshow. A game that because of glitches repeatedly force-quits, freezes, or displays error messages will do your brand more harm than good.

2. Allow attendees to use their own devices to interact with your content

What better way to get people engaged with your content and your offering than by enabling them to use their own smartphones and tablets to interact directly with your booth?

Incorporate more traditional mobile marketing tactics, such as polls or text-to-win contests, with a custom-branded app. Give your booth a unique check-in so that attendees can share their experience via social media. Stay active on social media yourself by monitoring event hashtags on Twitter, for example, or even creating one of your own.

3. Arm your employees in the field

An employee equipped with a smartphone has access to an infinite amount of information. You can, for example, give your boots on the ground access to sales material that can be customized to the needs of individual attendees.

The classic "show vs. tell" also comes into play here. If absorbing information first-hand has a greater impact on attendees (and it usually does), offer a presenter-led walkthrough via a tablet or a larger monitor.

4. Appeal to as many senses as you can

An effective tradeshow booth can't be static. Your booth needs to be dynamic and aesthetically pleasing, from the color scheme to the copy used in its materials.

Make tablets available to anyone who walks up to your booth, and connect them to larger screens so they can get a full-sensory experience with visuals, sound, and touch. (As for smell and taste, maybe you can put out a plate of cookies. Everyone likes cookies.)

* * *

No matter which approach you take, consider how long your presentation will live. If you use a custom app, will that app need to be updated prior to your next tradeshow, or is all of its content transferable? Give yourself ample time to incorporate feedback from the event into the next iteration of the presentation.

One key benefit of a mobile-equipped tradeshow booth is that it lends itself to easy information collection and measurement. Measure how often your team is accessing certain content to determine which information attendees demand and which information they are not interested in.

Don't ignore metrics from the customized application or game offered at your booth. Measuring the length of interaction can give you insight into what needs to be improved.

Joseph Rodriguez

Owner Professional Images Photography

 This image is an attendee sharing his throughts on the speaker's presentation who is in the back. Using a long lens helps to bring in the speaker who is by the way about 60 feet away. It woud be nice to have him sharp as well but when shooting with a 400mm lens the background is blurred out in dimmed lighting inside the meeting rooms. 

Convention Photography is not as easy many think it is. 

It's important to capture the feel of the meeting and as most meetings go it can be quite challenging so taking more than enough photos help to get the shot your client will like. 

Any question, thoughts or suggestion please post below.

Joseph Rodriguez

Capturing images for a convention can be fast and furious when you have 10 breakouts going on at once. Today I am taking photos for NATE (National Assn of Tower Erectors) in San Antonio TX.  I have 3 day at 12 hours each day. Taking photos of speakers, breakouts, receptions and also headshots to name a few requires great planning and good communication between the contact of this convention and myself.

Before the first day I try to meet with my contact to discuss the details of the shoot and the schedule. Often there changes at that requires flexibiity which is critical to be a successful corporate photographer. Carol is my contact and she is great to work with. She has me all over the place so having comfortable shoes help to make the day easier for the constant walking.

Today I have a studio setup to take photos of board members and also have breakouts and a reception to cover. Each day for the next three days I will post my experience and post some Photos.

Joseph

There was a time that Professional photographers were admired for their work and their photo gear. Digital cameras with auto program modes supposedly make anyone a pro. Having over 24 years of photography experience starting from with the Nikon F2 film camera to my current Cannon DSLR has given me much to look back on and much to appreciate. Having an eye for what you specialize in separates you from your competitors. I am not a wedding photographer and have nothing against this respectful profession. The same is said for the sports photographers of soccer kids, baseball youth leagues ect.

What I do is what I truly love and specializing in Corporate convention work keeps me focused and helps me bring to my customers the highest quality that should be delivered. You wouldn't hire a wedding planner to cover your conference so why hire a wedding photographer to cover your convention?

This is my two cents. Have a great week!

Joseph Rodriguez/Owner

Professional Images Photography

As the Holiday Season kicks into high gear, companies small and large have been in the planning phase since early in the year. Christmas and Holiday Party photography will be in high demand and Professional Images photography is ready to provide the very best of what they do.

Professional Images photography offers a wide variety of photographic services for any size group. Roaming photography to capture the fun and excitement is always the first thing companies want and Joseph Rodriguez’s 20 plus experience always delivers. The images can be put online for the guests to view and order and with choices of packages and Holiday card selections are delivered via postal service.

Another service is onsite printing photography that provides the ability to print up to 8x10 of the couples with a variety of background choice. The prints are produced in as little as 10 seconds and as long as 30 seconds for 8x10 prints. Many companies are finding this the perfect addition to giving back to their employees.

Holiday Parties are fast paced and full of many activities to keep guests busy and Professional Images Photography portraits are quick and professionally photographed. Packages are mailed within a week or less of the event to insure guests has plenty of time to mail photos in Christmas and Holiday cards.

Professional Images photography continues to be the leader in Corporate, Convention and Event Photography. Innovation and thinking outside the box is what makes a company like Professional Images stand out from the other photography crowds. Bookings are filling up fast.

First of all I am not saying stop what you are doing right now and do what you love just think how it can happen if you really want to and prepare. Enjoy the Video and tell me your thoughts.

What would you do if you had another chance to do it over again?

Travel is not cheap but we all know that. I remember pre September 11th when I could arrive to the gate in as little as 30 minutes with all my equipment. I could just give my lighting, stands ect to the sky cap and tip well and not worry about weights, lengths and qty of pieces. All that has changed now.

Here are some proven methods that will help in your travels, oh by the way this easily applys to anyone that travels.

WHAT TO CHECK IN:

• Sky caps: These people are really there to help you and want to go out of their way as oppose to the inside where it rush, rush, rush. Before they ask you anything hand them your driver's license with a generous tip.
• Prepay your luggage: Do you have a credit card that allows you some free luggage?, There are airlines that have annual passes for baggage.
• Choose the right airline: Southwest give you 2 bags, everyone else charges  but Virgin charges $25 per back up to 10 pieces.
• Weigh you bags: Your your bathroom scale or use a digital luggage scale.

CARRY IT ON THE PLANE:

• IPAD, IPhone: IPhone's can be a wireless modem, So much cheaper than the hotels and more reliable.
• Change of Clothes: I remember getting a last minute flight to NY and needing to be at pre shoot meeting later than evening but on arrival my luggage was lost, that was a nightmare.
• Backpack or roll-on for your gear: This would hold your IPad, Laptop, Camera gear. Quick note: Never, Never have any logos like NIKON, CANON etc, anywhere on your bags. Thieves look for this.

RENT IT:

• Rent from a fellow photographer in another city: This not only saves bundle on shipping but all wear an tear on your equipment and that dreaded feeling, "what if does not arrive on time or gets delayed"
• Hire locally: Finding the crew or assistant through ASMP. Saves on the travel expenses which some clients balk at and they know places and resources you don't.
• RENTAL HOUSES: Know before you if there is rental house that can supply your lighting if you can't find a local photographer. Make sure you do all the paperwork ahead of time so you won't be delayed plus if you know what you need reserve. I can't tell how many times I have heard fellow photographers tell me they were frantic because when they got to their city, the rental house did not have their gear.

Okay I rambled enough on this, but know that to be successful you have to prepare for the worst and the best plus today's economy requires all the knowledge to save the most.

Any questions or suggestions? Leave a comment.

Joseph Rodriguez, Owner/Professional Images Photography