"Unless a consumer is fully aware of an upcoming show they often miss it or are unable to fit it into their busy schedule. Tracking or finding new shows of interest using conventional web search approaches may never help a show-goer find that perfect show. And, after most shows consumers experience post-show remorse when they believe many offers and information was overlooked or not fully investigated. Once home, even the information that was carefully collected at the show is often misplaced or discarded, loosing value forever.

Our vision is to deliver a market leading full cycle system that bridges the information gap between show-goers, promoters and exhibitors using ShowSmart's user-savvy show Directory search and Marketing engine," said Walter Ellwood, President and CEO of ShowSmart. From our newly designed, easy to navigate web environment, consumers can find shows and exhibitors in their area. They can take a virtual tour of exhibitors' booths, view special offers, download price catalogues and eventually place orders with exhibitors well after the date of the trade show. Then, for one year after the show and at no cost to themselves, consumers continue to receive quarterly updates on exhibitor special offers. Consumers appreciate these value-added reminders since their needs for specific products and services often change throughout the year and the reminders help them track real savings.

Currently, there is no single fully integrated service with a database as vast as ShowSmart's. "Right now we have over half a million consumer names in our growing data base. All are proven show goers where we know their demographics, their age and gender. We know the names of the shows they attended in the past and how often they went to a trade show. This is particularly relevant to show exhibitors, who utilize the ShowSmart system to cost-effectively promote their products and services to a pre-qualified audience - before, during and after the trade show," added Ellwood.
For a small annual fee exhibitors receive (1) a customized "Virtual Deluxe Booth" linked to the Show's Home Page and their own web site; (2) a listing in ShowSmart's easy-to-search Show/Exhibitor Directory; and, (3) an opportunity to participate in targeted direct mail programs - before, during and after the trade show. For a modest additional fee, exhibitors can also add pictures, text and company information (like catalogues or other details) and 'Super Size' their site.

ShowSmart's complementary suite of Internet-based directory services are also designed to enhance the value show promoters provide to their exhibitors. Ellwood's intention is to bring the show to life by providing promoters with what he calls "the best no-cost show promotion service in the industry." This includes easy data entry for shows and exhibitor information ( e.g. listing the show name date, location, description, logo, pictures, text - such as exhibitor application forms, terms and conditions, consumer sign up to attend the show and even a hot link to the promoter's own web site). The ShowSmart system also helps promoters capture leads for future shows. Consumer data collected is held confidential to ShowSmart and the Show Promoter and is not sold or shared with any other organizations.

"We respect our visitors and consumers, as well as their time, so we make every effort to focus our campaigns to those people who have identified an interest we can satisfy. We believe in fewer, more relevant offers rather than the offer-a-day approach that most people hate. Our Opt-in policy is clearly stated on our web site and we stand by it," Ellwood said.

Venues need promoters and promoters need venues. ShowSmart is a natural relationship broker between these two groups as well and has allocated part of their site to showcasing different North American venues. Information includes pictures of the venue, parking and directions. Dining and other recreational spots are also listed. "We believe our system brings incredible value to every party involved in the trade show circle, from the venues, the show promoters and exhibitors to the show-goers. My personal vision is to make ShowSmart a hub to enhance all of these relationships. This is completely doable with today's technology," said Ellwood.

ShowSmart leverages the marketing might of the world wide web and the muscle of a bricks and mortar direct sales and marketing company to drive attendance, build show exposure and ROI in the consumer marketplace. For further information please visit www.showsmart.com or call (905) 762-9428 Ext 324.


This article courtesy of http://www.hottradeshowdisplay.com.
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