Getting Your Trade Show Communication Just Right

July 26, 2013

Lisa Apolinski

Lisa Apolinski is a professional speaker, blogger, and digital strategist. With her company, 3DogWrite.com, she works with event managers to get their message to attendees, particularly through digital channels, on and off the show floor.

I think we can all agree that trade show communication (pre, during and post) is vital to increase booth traffic and lead generation. 

So, how do you work to get that necessary trade show communication just right (or write, as the case may be)?  This is important whether you are developing the copy yourself or using the services of the professional writer, as you can use these tips for your own work or to review someone else’s work. 

Get your thoughts in order.  You need to work on getting your thoughts down and organized.  When you are doing this, think of the ‘what’ as well as the ‘why’ (as in why the intended audience should care).  Work on developing no more than three points to your email and make sure the thought process works all the way through. Make your points simple and concise as well. 

Read it out loud.  A great way to see if what you wrote makes sense (and reads well) is to read it aloud.  Sometimes when we are writing, we move either too fast or change our thought process mid-sentence, and reading your work out loud will help you quickly identify that, (as well as identify grammatical errors spellcheck does not always catch, such as the difference between you and your). 

Have a cold read.  This is a trick of professional writers.  Leave your work for at least a couple of days and then pick it back up for a read.  If you do not have that kind of time, ask someone who has not been tied to the project to read your communication.  This is also a great test if you are not sure if your communication makes the most sense.  Do not give any background to the tester, and see if the communication needs further clarification.  Letting the email sit or using a neutral party is a great way to check your work when all is said and done.

It is important to leverage your trade show communication, and you can easily use these tips to get that communication strong and just right.

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.