Pre-Show Marketing Tactics that Work: Why Video Leads the Way

Trade shows are bustling, high-energy environments where every brand is competing for attention. With hundreds of exhibitors vying for face time with attendees, brands need to make an impact before the doors even open. That’s why effective pre-show marketing is crucial to driving traffic to your booth and building brand awareness among event-goers.

Pre-show marketing allows you to reach your target audience before the event frenzy begins. This helps generate interest, build anticipation, and, ultimately, increase the number of people who stop by your booth. However, with so many brands turning to traditional channels like email marketing, social media, and direct mail, how can you make sure your message stands out?

Adding video to your pre-show marketing is a powerful way to break through the noise and make a memorable impression.

Pre-show video created for IBRSearch to demonstrate their approach to custom solutions.

Why Video Enhances Your Pre-Show Marketing Strategy

Increased Engagement Rates: According to industry research, the three most commonly used pre-show tactics — email marketing, social media, and direct mail — deliver stronger results when video is included. For instance, email click-through rates can jump by 96% when video is embedded, giving your messaging an extra boost and prompting more recipients to engage with your content.

Higher Visibility on Social Media: Video content performs exceptionally well on social media platforms. Posts with video receive 48% more views than those without, meaning your message is more likely to be seen by potential attendees. This added visibility can translate into more interactions, shares, and, ultimately, greater booth traffic at the show.

Enhanced Direct Mail Impact: Even traditional methods like direct mail benefit from video integration. Including a link to a video or a landing page with compelling content can significantly improve lead conversion rates, as recipients are more likely to engage with the story you’re telling.

Building Anticipation and Personal Connection: Videos allow you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. They give your brand a voice, personality, and an opportunity to tell a story that resonates. By sharing a preview of your booth, product demos, or interviews with your team, you can build curiosity and excitement among attendees before they even set foot in the exhibit hall.

Tell Your Story, Show Your Brand

A well-crafted pre-show video not only sets the stage but also plants a lasting impression in attendees’ minds. When attendees recognize your brand from a video they saw before the show, they’re more likely to stop by your booth, ready to engage.


Interested in incorporating video into your pre-show marketing? Our team can help you tell — and show — your story effectively, ensuring your brand gets noticed. Reach out to learn more about our video solutions for trade show success.

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