How to plan and execute a successful trade show – Part 2

Previously we wrote about how to prepare for showing off your game at trade shows, giving you a timeline for when things need to be done and what to think about. This week we want to talk more about the specifics of, and differences between having a stand at a consumer- or industry oriented event. From this post we hope that you come away with new knowledge for when you travel to show off your amazing game.

We wanted to write this post, to highlight what we have learned from our travels and give you some advice. Each event is a little different, and it can be difficult to know what to expect if you’ve never been to a specific type of event before.

But first, you need to get the opportunity to attend a trade show or a conference. As we have mentioned in our previous post, Sarepta studio has over 5 years attended quite the variety of shows and conferences. Everything from GDC in San Francisco to Nordic Game Conference in Malmo. We have, in large part, been able to do this because of our amazing Norwegian support system. The politicians loves it when we travel abroad to brag about Norway and show off the national talent. 

Norwegian game developers at GDC

We also like writing about it; click image to read HGC’s post – Norwegians at GDC

We would encourage you to look for what opportunities there may be in your country.
There are also different types of trade shows that you need to be aware of, to make sure you get the most out of your investments. The most common are “Consumer oriented events” and “Industry oriented events” and they have some distinctions that you should adjust for.

Target audience
A consumer oriented event is an event that is set up for the consumers. The people that will buy and/or play your game. These trade shows, like Pax and EGX have the consumer’s interest in mind. The trade shows are there to entertain visitors and give the exhibitors a chance to show off their product directly to their potential buyers.

Shadow Puppeteer Casual connect

Picture from Casual connect


Your goals
At consumer oriented events you want to spread the word about your game. Selling single copies might be good, but you want to get the visitors to share your game; Write about it, share pictures of it, enter contests to win copies of it. You want the game to become known in new circles.

Shadow puppeteer funny faces

Instagram photo contest are fun and easy for the whole family

Getting known is also crucial at industry events, but the methods you use are different. You can enter into contests to win awards and recognition: like GDC Best in Play or IGF. This will grant you visibility as an eligible business partner. You can become part of a larger pavilion, like the Nordic Games pavilion at GDC. You may also consider to invest in company visibility by becoming part of the show’s program leaflet.

So a big part of your job is to make a lasting impression, both at consumer and industry oriented events. A part of this is through the appearance of your booth: Whether it’s through eye-catching decor, music or a stunning demo, you need to make sure the visitors will remember YOU out of a hundred others.

Consumer oriented events lend themselves better to shows, contests or giveaways than industry ones. We usually bring button badges, which were so popular during EGX we ran out (!)

 

Shadow Puppeteer, buttons, button badges, sarepta studio, sarepta, co-op

Snow Cannon Games tweeted during EGX as we were running out of our button badges.

At industry events it’s important to have a representative at the booth to exchange business cards and set up meetings when publishers or platform representatives come by looking for new, interesting titles. Most of the real, lasting impressions left at industry events are done in meetings or at social events outside of the trade show hours; securing the interest of a hardware developer, getting introduced to a new localization partner for a special region, closing the deal with a sought-after platform. A general rule here is to keep this strictly business on the show floor but feel free to connect on a more personal level outside. After all, everyone attending are just people. Doing cynical networking and systematically handing out business cards at a party will make you come off more as a vulture than an interesting business partner.

 

So to conclude: Consumer and industry oriented events share some similarities but have clear differences in audience and goals. Spend your energy understanding and planning for this. We wish you the best of luck with your next event, and hope to meet you there.

If you have questions or want to share your own experiences regarding the difference between consumer and industry oriented events, feel free to share and leave a comment.

Shadow puppeteer banner steam

363 thoughts on “How to plan and execute a successful trade show – Part 2

  1. Trade shows are so much fun to go to. I really like going for the free stuff and occasionally I will buy something. My favorite thing to do is actually just see what people have to sell. We have a lot of trade shows around town and it is interesting to see the different things people make to sell.

  2. I want to express thanks to you just for bailing me out of this type of trouble. Because of surfing throughout the world-wide-web and meeting ideas which are not helpful, I believed my entire life was well over. Existing without the presence of answers to the problems you’ve solved by means of your write-up is a serious case, as well as ones that could have negatively affected my entire career if I had not noticed the blog. Your actual natural talent and kindness in maneuvering the whole lot was excellent. I’m not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t discovered such a solution like this. I can also now relish my future. Thank you very much for this expert and effective guide. I will not hesitate to propose the website to any person who needs assistance about this subject.

  3. Congratulations on your incredible gift for writing! Your article is an engaging and enlightening read. Wishing you a New Year full of achievements and happiness!

  4. Congratulations on your incredible gift for writing! Your article is an engaging and enlightening read. Wishing you a New Year full of achievements and happiness!

  5. Thank you a lot for giving everyone an exceptionally breathtaking chance to read in detail from this web site. It really is very beneficial and stuffed with a good time for me and my office fellow workers to search your website no less than thrice in a week to read through the new guides you will have. Of course, we’re actually fascinated for the astounding principles you serve. Some 3 points in this article are honestly the most beneficial I have ever had.

  6. I needed to draft you this little bit of word to thank you very much yet again just for the incredible secrets you’ve provided on this page. It’s simply particularly generous with you to grant unhampered what exactly some people would’ve advertised as an e-book to earn some dough on their own, certainly since you could have done it in case you desired. These pointers in addition acted to be the good way to be aware that other people online have the same fervor just as my personal own to know good deal more around this condition. I know there are many more pleasant sessions in the future for folks who start reading your site.

  7. I actually wanted to post a word so as to express gratitude to you for the lovely items you are placing at this site. My incredibly long internet research has now been compensated with useful strategies to write about with my companions. I would admit that most of us visitors actually are extremely blessed to be in a remarkable community with so many special professionals with insightful basics. I feel truly grateful to have encountered your website page and look forward to really more fun moments reading here. Thank you once again for everything.

  8. tvlore.com
    이것은 Xiao Jing을 매우 슬프게 만들었습니다. 그는 이곳을 빨리 떠나고 싶었기 때문입니다.그 남자는 손을 꼬고 수십 명의 사람들에게 둘러싸여 나왔습니다. “그 노인입니다.”

  9. Keravita Pro™ is a dietary supplement created by Benjamin Jones that effectively addresses nail fungus and hair loss, promoting the growth of healthier and thicker nails and hair. The formula is designed to target the underlying causes of these health issues and provide comprehensive treatment. https://keravitapro-web.com

  10. Arctic blast is a powerful formula packed with natural ingredients and can treat pain effectively if you’re struggling with chronic pain. You can say goodbye to muscle cramps with this natural pain reliever in less than a minute. It helps with arthritic pain, blood circulation, and joint pain. It gives long-lasting effects that replace the need to go to surgery. https://arcticblast-web.com

  11. PotentStream is designed to address prostate health by targeting the toxic, hard water minerals that can create a dangerous buildup inside your urinary system It’s the only dropper that contains nine powerful natural ingredients that work in perfect synergy to keep your prostate healthy and mineral-free well into old age. https://potentstream-web.com/

  12. Thank you for your sharing. I am worried that I lack creative ideas. It is your article that makes me full of hope. Thank you. But, I have a question, can you help me?

  13. I was absolutely delighted to stumble upon your post today! The clarity and thoughtfulness of your arguments were a breath of fresh air. It’s evident that a lot of effort and passion went into crafting this piece. I’ve learned so much and feel inspired. Keep up the fantastic work.

  14. I was absolutely delighted to stumble upon your post today! The clarity and thoughtfulness of your arguments were a breath of fresh air. It’s evident that a lot of effort and passion went into crafting this piece. I’ve learned so much and feel inspired. Keep up the fantastic work.

  15. Thanks for your article. What I want to comment on is that when looking for a good internet electronics shop, look for a website with complete information on critical indicators such as the personal privacy statement, protection details, payment procedures, and also other terms plus policies. Often take time to see the help and FAQ segments to get a much better idea of what sort of shop will work, what they can perform for you, and in what way you can make the most of the features.

  16. Nice read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch since I found it for him smile Thus let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

  17. I’m not sure why but this site is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a problem on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

  18. You can certainly see your enthusiasm within the work you write. The sector hopes for even more passionate writers such as you who are not afraid to say how they believe. At all times follow your heart.

  19. I have realized some new points from your web site about personal computers. Another thing I’ve always imagined is that laptop computers have become an item that each home must have for many people reasons. They provide convenient ways in which to organize homes, pay bills, search for information, study, pay attention to music and in some cases watch shows. An innovative technique to complete these tasks is by using a computer. These personal computers are mobile ones, small, potent and mobile.

  20. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be really something which I think I would never understand. It seems too complicated and extremely broad for me. I am looking forward for your next post, I?ll try to get the hang of it!

  21. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog and was wondering what all is needed to get set up? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very web smart so I’m not 100 sure. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

  22. Thanks , I’ve just been looking for information about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I have discovered so far. But, what about the bottom line? Are you sure about the source?

  23. I can’t believe how amazing this article is! The author has done a fantastic job of delivering the information in an captivating and informative manner. I can’t thank him enough for sharing such priceless insights that have undoubtedly enriched my awareness in this topic. Kudos to him for producing such a masterpiece!

  24. “That’s it! That’s it! That’s it!” His father bellows. “I figured you did.” His father says. “You play on a team, so you know the purpose of teamwork.”

  25. It’s not often that we come across content that really resonates with us, but this one is a standout. From the writing to the visuals, everything is simply wonderful.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *