The International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) recently launched a public relations campaign called “Click Here First” created to advocate on the behalf of event meeting services organizations to the media and business influencers about the benefits of face-to-face meetings.

The campaign has 3 key goals:

  1. Collect compelling testimonials and success stories about face-to-face events. They are asking you to call, send an email, complete an online form or submit a brief video capturing the essence of your event. Did you have a successful product launching event? Provide best practices education to your association members? Put on a winning trade show? What stood out and why?
  2. Gain credibility in the industry by working with media reporters and editors.IAEE will contact local, regional, and national media outlets, on your behalf, to share with them how your story is a great example what makes face-to-face meetings successful.They will pitch your story, schedule interviews, answer follow-up questions and provide any information to the media to make your event a great story.
  3. Increase viability about the value of face-to-face meetings among marketing and business leaders. Obviously, the major goal is to get the story picked up by as many media outlets as possible.  When the story runs, it becomes a “win-win” as it provides great viability to your organization and event AND promotes face-to-face meetings as the best way to disseminate information to attendees.

Here are 2 examples of what show exhibitors are saying about the value of face-to-face meetings:

“Thousands of consumer electronics professionals pack the house each year and we are proud of our showing at each event. Companies will always need to present themselves in the best possible light to potential customers, media and retail partners. Exhibitions and events are the best, most efficient, and impactful way to do this,” said Noel Lee, Head Monster at Monster Cable Products.

“Companies regularly use events as a launching pad for their most impactful and largest announcements because of the audience, reach and influence the events have. For example, a global energy company launched its rebranding during one of our largest international exhibitions. The company changed their visual identity and logo overnight on the second day of the show. Because there were approximately 70,000 attendees at the show, the news was quickly absorbed by the industry,” said Paige McCown, Senior PR Manager at the Society of Petroleum Engineers.

To learn more about the “Click Here First” campaign, go to www.clickherefirst.org or follow them on Twitter @clickherefirst.

Are you event planning in California? Look to AV Event Solutions to provide you state-of-the-art interactive technology tool rentals for your next meeting, event, or tradeshow.Their trained Account Executives can provide the best solution for your attendees and meet your budget requirements!