I’m back from CES and no my hangover isn’t due to Vegas over-indulgences. I’ve never seen anything like CES (and I’ve worked at my fair share of tradeshows). It’s the largest, craziest, coolest tradeshow I’ve ever been too, and I must say it was one of my best professional experiences (do you think I’m crazy yet?).
I have so much to say about the show that it’s been difficult to write this post. I’m sure you’ve read plenty of technology recaps, so I figured I’ll do what I do best and provide a public relations and social media recap (based on my personal experience at the show).
So let’s talk about my pre-show goals:
1. Demonstrate the value of social media at a large-scale tradeshow. I can’t even begin to tell you how critical social media is at a show like CES. Before I left, I linked my client’s Twitter account to my Blackberry through OpenBeak, and hooked that up to their Twitpic account. That’s all I needed to provide on-the-ground coverage of my client’s booth and participation in the show. I found that pictures say more than words, and noticed a direct uptick in Twitter followers every time I posted a picture. Next year, I’d consider running a simple contest on Twitter, using a hashtag encouraging people to interact with us.
2. Meet journalists — make connections. Talking to journalists in-person was an invaluable experience. CES enabled me to have conversations with mainstream media that would ordinarily be challenging to get face time with. My tip for PR people attending large tradeshows: get out of the booth. I walked the floor and stopped to talk to journalists that I knew would be interested in covering my client. When it came to larger “if-I-book-this-it-would-be-a-dream-come-true” media and networks, I stopped by their booths everyday to say hi and inquire about their schedule for the day. By the end of the show, they recognized my face and were willing to come speak with my client on Saturday (as things were slowing down).
3. Get as many interviews and write-ups for my client as possible. Obviously. Once I made friends with a few reporters, it was easier to secure coverage. Our PR team had booked some appointments in advance of the show, but as I said before, walking the floor really took things to the next level. My tip to get tons of interviews and write-ups: follow up immediately. Every night when I got back to my hotel room, I emailed the reporters that were hot leads and thanked them for coming to the booth and asked them if they had the information that they needed for a write-up. I found that by staying on top of the reporter’s mind, I was able to motivate them to cover my client.
4. Stay away from the blackjack table. This wasn’t a problem, I didn’t have the time. Good for me (and good for my wallet).
I think the most important thing I learned at CES is the value of being a friendly, outgoing and knowledgeable PR person. Don’t pitch reporters that don’t cover your space. Know your pitch like the back of your hand, know your client and understand the value that they bring to a journalist in their space and you’ll be set up for success. Having a good attitude helps too. Everyone is exhausted, and a friendly and understanding demeanor definitely gives you a leg up.
I’d love to hear about your PR experiences at CES. Leave a comment below or shoot me an email. Hope to see you on the floor next year!
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