Issue link: http://psai.uberflip.com/i/1414964
10 I PSAI Association Insight, September 29, 2021 Roundtables and Tabletops at Nuts & Bolts (continued from page 8) Given these overwhelming statistics, it is obvious that both attendees and exhibitors greatly value interacting face-to- face with others at conference or trade show events, which makes this medium a "must have" in terms of marketing tactics for both buyers and sellers. If you have not yet registered for the Nuts & Bolts Education Conference happening November 2-5 in Myrtle Beach, register now (https://www.psai.org/events/nuts-and-bolts-educational- conference-2021)! If you are a supplier that would value the opportunity to finally meet live and in-person with your future customers during tabletop sessions, contact Todd Ginter at the PSAI office at toddg@psai.org or by calling 952-854-8300. Suppliers! Reserve your tabletop space now! We would like to thank PolyJohn for being one of the businesses who has secured their tabletop at Nuts & Bolts this November! Contact Todd Ginter at todd@psai.org or call 952-854-8300 to reserve your table. constantly shows that personal interactions yield the most successful results, regardless which side of the table you are on. The tabletop session is an environment that is more low-key than a trade show and welcomes conversation and learning. Nuts & Bolts is an educational conference, after all, so it should include learning about a new product, service or about a possible new customer. No matter what business you are in, you know that taking the time to actually engage with people in a face-to-face manner will greatly improve the return you want to get from the conference. You'll be able to build up your lead list, extend your brand or learn about something that will improve and maybe even expand your business. Maybe you are someone who is a little shy or reluctant to mingle, especially when it comes to conferences. If you can challenge yourself to overcome that part of your personality, you'll reap great rewards. Why? Because there is proof that personal interactions at conferences and shows will be beneficial to you. The Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR) conducted a study to decipher once and for all the true role and value of face-to- face interaction at trade shows and events. (*OK, so it may be mask-to-mask too; I should point out this research was conducted prior to COVID-19 but its principles remain true when interacting at a conference). This research study measured both attendee and exhibitor perceptions of face-to-face interactions from several perspectives, while also taking into account recent economic trials and the emergence of new ways to communicate, such as social media. Given the fact that a modest increase in exhibition attendance is expected within the next few years post pandemic, with 23% of people surveyed expected to attend more trade shows and 59% expected to attend the same number, understanding the true value of face-to-face interaction may be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful event for many companies. Here are just a few of the statistics from the CEIR study that document the power of in-person marketing, despite the surge in digital media and technology: • Approximately 8 out of 10 attendees rate live interaction with current vendors (77%) and potential vendors (81%) as very or extremely important in performing their jobs. • 74% percent of attendees rate interactions with colleagues and associates very or extremely important • In-person interactions with business partners achieve high importance ratings as well, with 75% of attendees and 71% of exhibitors assigning a very or extremely important rating.