“If you build it, they will come.”
It’s a classic quote from the 1989 film “Field of Dreams.”
There are hundreds of trade shows every year and your audience has to make a choice based on their needs and their budget. And by building an event worth attending – with the right vendors, keynote speakers and activities – you can create a memorable and impactful event for your audience.
This is where a strategic trade association public relations plan comes into play. An expertly executed PR strategy won’t just promote your event, it molds its perception and builds lasting partnerships before, during and after the event.
Here’s how PR can help position your trade show as the “go-to” event of the year moving forward:
Pre-event hype
What drives people to any kind of musical event? The line-up. You should treat your trade show the same. An experienced PR team can leverage vendors, sponsors and influencers to drive engagement and attendance. The best part is the domino effect this has – vendors and B2B services are competitive, and their competition is your gain.
Post-event recap
A strategic public relations plan will help ensure your event isn’t “one-and-done.” Post-event press releases will cover highlights, successes and experiences. PR will help keep your trade association top of mind, even after the event has concluded. And as planning for the next year begins, the visibility and impact of your trade show will remain strong.
Keeping your eye on the prize
In the world of trade associations, partnerships are invaluable – especially in 2025 where influencers generate a lot of buzz with their presence and opinions. By collaborating with industry influencers, policymakers and partner organizations, you can amplify your reach and strengthen your influence.
This type of PR not only enhances visibility but also provides opportunities for cross-promotion and collaboration. Our experienced team of content gurus can create weekly or monthly newsletters to keep your audience engaged and informed of all the news you want to share with your audience to increase attendance.
If you’re looking to level up your trade show game and increase attendance, sponsorship and exhibitors, we’re here to help. Give us a call at 865-977-1973 or visit us online at https://ripleypr.com/ today.
