Virtual Events Are the Topic of Next Episode of 'Strategic Growth Concepts for Small Business'

Aug. 23, 2009 - PRLog -- As part of Strategic Growth Concepts on-going education series for small business owners, the firm is focusing the next episode of their BlogTalkRadio program, Strategic Growth Concepts for Small Business, on Virtual Trade Shows/Expos/Conventions.  This new technology enables small businesses to engage with current customers and find new ones in a highly cost-effective and efficient manner without ever leaving their desk.  Those interested in learning about this new technology can listen to the show live on Tuesday, August 25th at 2:30 p.m. EDT by calling (347) 215-6955, or they can download a podcast of the show at their convenience by accessing the show’s website at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/StrategicGrowthConcepts .

For all the benefit they provide, physical trade shows are often more trouble than they’re worth – and cost a lot more too!  According to Tradeshow Week magazine, mid-to-large size companies spend about $550,000 every year participating in physical trade shows, with an average cost per show sometimes as high as $100,000 for larger companies.  Small entrepreneurial companies can easily spend in the range of $50,000 per year.  In direct contrast, Virtual Trade Shows can be extremely cost-effective to participate in – and to host.  Entrepreneurial companies wanting to host their own virtual trade show can get started for as little as $50 per month for a basic trade show site, and larger companies wanting a more elaborate setup will typically invest in a one-time fee of up to $20,000.  Once the site is prepared, they can charge exhibitors a fee or give the booth away for free in order to have the opportunity to gather customer information from show visitors.  Benefits of virtual trade shows include:

•   The graphics templates for the show site can be saved and re-used at any time
•   The reduced costs of hosting and/or participating
•   Booth setup for participants can take as little as 30 minutes – even without extensive computer skills
•   No work time lost on travel
•   Hosts and participants are able to obtain significantly more detailed data about attendees than is possible at any physical event
•   Show attendance is typically in the hundreds rather than the thousands; this allows participants to spend increased quality time with those interested in their products or services, thereby resulting in leads that are more pre-qualified.
•   Virtual trade shows last a lot longer; they can remain active in an unmanned state for up to 6 months after the actual ‘live’ event date.  Some are even designed to be year-round displays.

To help small business owners understand the best ways to maximize the benefit of this exciting technology, Strategic Growth Concepts CEO, Linda Daichendt will host a panel of industry experts including:  Kevin Carbone, CEO of 6Connex; Brent Arslaner, VP of Channels at Unisfair; and Cece Salomon-Lee, Director of Marketing at InXpo.   During the show panelists will answer questions on such topics as:

•   What challenges are event marketers facing today and how do virtual events/trade shows address those challenges?
•   What types of virtual event solutions are available, what are the differences between them, and how should a business decide which one will meet their needs?
•   What tips would you provide to a small business interested in hosting or participating in a virtual event?
•   What cost and time expectations should a company plan on if deciding to host or participate in a virtual event?
•   Much, much more

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Strategic Growth Concepts is a consulting firm specializing in start-up, small and mid-sized businesses. The firm provides training and consulting in the areas of Start-up, Marketing, Operations, HR and Strategic Planning. The firm's website is www.StrategicGrowthConcepts.com. Strategic's CEO, Linda Daichendt, is a recognized business expert with 20+ years of corporate, small business and franchising experience and host of the firm's radio broadcast, 'Strategic Growth Concepts for Small Business'.

Strategic Growth Concept's network of highly-experienced business growth professionals provide the tools, resources, consulting and training to grow start-up and small businesses, and position them for on-going success in today's competitive marketplace. We help clarify the challenges currently facing businesses, identify a plan of growth-oriented solutions, develop methods of implementing the plan to the firm's best advantage, and then assist in achieving that successful implementation.