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Trend Alert: Why the Anti-Booth is Creating a Buzz

Trend Alert: Why the Anti-Booth is Creating a Buzz


If you've ever attended an industry trade show—regardless of which industry you find yourself in—there's a good chance you've played at least some part in designing, setting up, or manning a "traditional" trade show display/booth. You know the types of booths we're referring to; you rent out a 10x10 space and set up a display to attract attendees. The specifics of the display may vary a bit, but probably include a large sign displaying the company logo, a "greeting center" that's staffed by a bubbly employee, and perhaps even some lounging areas or live demonstration areas throughout.

Not that these displays can't be super effective if they're designed and executed properly, but maybe now is the time to think outside the booth.

Thinking Outside the Booth

The "anti-booth" trend is creating quite the buzz in trade shows and events as of late—and if you've been looking for a way to make a unique statement and stand out among a sea of 10x10 booths at your next event appearance, it's something you might want to consider trying for yourself.

A perfect example of these emerging trend can be seen in RAB Lighting's beautiful "anti-booth" display at this past Lightfair (a huge trade show for businesses in the lighting industry). Rather than set up a "typical" booth or generic display, the company filled their space with 1,500 pots of grass, along with a serene walkway that passed through the display itself. Each of the pots of grass was mounted on a small pendulum, which was set up to gently sway back and forth (thanks to a series of hidden sensors) when attendees walked by.

As people walked through the display, they were delighted by the ability to set each tiny pot of grass in motion, demonstrating the concept that nature and mankind are in constant interaction with each other in beautiful ways.

Of course, this is just one of many examples of companies that have chosen to think outside the typical concept of a booth at their industry trade shows and events. It's worth noting that RAB Lighting's display subsequently won an award for Best in Show at the event. Of course, not only did they receive this award, but their display generated an insane amount of buzz and likely led to a number of new leads or conversions for the company itself.

How to Make a Statement

So, you're starting to see the appeal of these anti-booth concepts, and you're wanting to incorporate this kind of design strategy into your next industry event. How can you go about making your display stand out? The possibilities are endless, but no matter what you do, you should begin by considering the ultimate message you want to convey with your design. Only from there should you begin brainstorming unique ideas to catch the eye of your target audience without being "just another booth."

Looking for some inspiration? Cramer has some great examples of anti-booth ideas that have been successful in the past, so you might consider building on one of these. Working with an experienced display designer and builder might also help you generate new and unique ideas, as well as ensure they can come to fruition both in terms of logistics and budget.

When it comes to standing out and making a true statement, you can't go wrong with anti-booth. And if you're still looking for a great location at which to host your next industry trade show or other event, check out  Soho Studios for an incredible event space that's suitable for any industry.

How to Host A Live Podcast Event

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How to Host A Live Podcast Event


Are you using live podcasts?

You should be!

Why? Because a live podcast is a great way to engage your audience. A live podcast will allow you to chat with your audience and instantly receive their raw feedback in real time. And by doing this, you are building a rapport with those in your audience and creating loyal, potentially lifelong followers.

Many people have heard of podcasts and probably even participated in them. But they don't know exactly how to present one themselves. Thus the reason they aren't using them even though they are an extremely powerful method of audience communication and engagement.

The Benefits of a Live Podcast

There are plenty of benefits that come from implementing live podcasts into your marketing and follower retention campaigns.

  • Increased real-time follower engagement
  • Building brand authority, promotion, and retention
  • Can be produced on demand
  • To create a following
  • A podcast atmosphere is more natural and intimate
  • Instant feedback from your audience
  • Podcast audience interactions provide you with new, fresh ideas and potential trends

Eight Tips for Hosting a Successful Live Podcast Event

1. Teamwork

You will first need to put together a team to help you cover all the necessary rolls such as producer, recording tech, administrative and marketing tasks. If you're just starting out, work with what and who you have available.

2. Determine Your Budget

Your budget should include items such as venue, equipment, sound crew, and other staffing if needed. The equipment will usually be your biggest expense depending on what you need which could include special lighting, microphones, mixers to plug into the house PA, etc.

However, if you want to help offset some of these costs, you can always charge admission to your event or solicit a sponsor.

3. Find a Venue

To find the perfect venue, you will need to estimate how many people you anticipate attending. But it's always a good idea to rent a venue that can accommodate more. Once you've determined that, you will need to visit that venue in person to make sure it's the right fit. Consider the cost, size, its geographic location, parking, public transportation, and the physical characteristics of the space versus your needs.

4. Video Projection

Your video projection can be something as simple as a PowerPoint or Keynote slideshow. If needed, you can also use software such as Q-Lab, which is a theatrical cueing software that automates the lights, videos, and graphics. However, some people find such software programs a bit complicated. So if you decide to go that route, make sure you schedule some time to learn it well before you begin.

5. Promoting Your Live Podcast

They are so many different ways you can promote your live podcast, especially in the current age of social media. Here are some other ideas you can use:

  • Fan communities like Facebook Groups, Google+, Reddit, etc. Participate in these communities by posting and answering questions, and sharing comments then linking back to your podcast promotion.
  • Publish relevant content, then link it back to your podcast promotion.
  • Ask your existing followers to help promote your upcoming podcast.
  • Twitter. Find the official hashtag then participate and promote your event on Twitter.
  • YouTube video promotions.
  • Local merchant participation in exchange for free advertising.

6. Rehearsal Run Through

After arriving at the venue, but prior to the event, once you have everything setup, you should perform a rehearsal run through to make sure everything goes as planned. This will also help you identify any obstacles and fix any equipment issues before you begin.

7. Involve the Audience

Involve the audience as much as possible. You can invite them onstage to participate in games, contests, Q&A's, opinion sound bites, etc.

One word of warning though, never release the microphone to anyone in the audience or you could lose control of the show if the conversation gets spirited or begins to take a different direction. Designate someone on your team to control the microphone at all times.

8. Have an Aftershow

Live streaming can be distracting to some of your audience; therefore, you should consider hosting an aftershow.  Just allow enough time, about 15 minutes or so, for you and your audience to transition. This will give your audience another opportunity to participate, share their reactions, and provide you with more feedback.

Hosting a live event doesn't have to be hard, nor does it have to be perfect. You will get better and better with each event you perform. If there's one thing you should remember though, it's to make sure your presentation is informing and entertaining to keep your attendees looking forward to coming back for more!