Live Events Are Back, But Attendance Isn’t

How Marketers Are Offsetting Low Booth Visitation

Conferences have long been a staple of the tech world, offering a place for companies to showcase their solutions, network with industry peers, and generate valuable marketing leads. However, in recent times, the landscape of conferences has been undergoing a significant transformation. Budget constraints have led to a decline in attendance at these events, causing a ripple effect that is impacting a generation of marketing leads.

This article delves into the consequences of reduced traffic at conferences due to budget cuts and what you can do to generate alternative leads for your team.

The Budget-Cut Dilemma

In an increasingly competitive market, companies are constantly looking for ways to optimize their spending. Unfortunately, one of the areas that often faces budget cuts is marketing. Conferences, which have historically been instrumental for both buyers and sellers, are often one of the first marketing strategies to get reduced.

When budgets are trimmed, companies are forced to make tough decisions about where to allocate their resources, and trade show participation may not always make the cut.

The Traffic Decline Effect

The heart of any conference success lies in its attendance. A bustling event floor with engaged attendees provides companies with ample opportunities to network, connect with potential customers, and generate leads. However, as budget constraints lead to reduced promotional efforts and attendees’ inability to travel, conference traffic has taken a hit. With recent layoffs comes less bandwidth for teams.

Marketing department heads have a decision to make; send what few employees they have left to stroll the aisles getting elevator pitched while collecting t-shirts and backpacks – or keep their employees home, for free, and have them take a few demos on Zoom while they tackle their former coworkers’ tasks in addition to their own.

Impact on Marketing Leads

The dwindling traffic at conferences is having a direct impact on marketing leads. Traditionally, these events have been fertile grounds for lead generation. The face-to-face interactions, product demos, and at-will engagements that happen on the trade show floor have been key to building connections that can eventually translate into opportunities.

With fewer attendees, companies are facing a stark reduction in the number of potential leads they can engage with.

How to Offset the Issue

In response to the declining traffic at live events, companies are having to pivot their marketing strategies (and dollars). Many are investing in both digital marketing and performance marketing strategies such as content syndication. A content syndication lead is the most similar way to replicate a conference lead. Both leads “opt in” their information. Both are self-seeking more information about a topic or solution, both are generated around the same price point (external factors notwithstanding), and ultimately – both are top funnel leads.

Now more than ever, companies are placing a renewed emphasis on the quality of the leads they do acquire. Rather than casting a wide net and hoping for the best, businesses are taking a more targeted approach. They are focusing on identifying prospects who align closely with their products or services, which can result in higher conversion rates and more meaningful business relationships.

Content Syndication lets “YOU choose who visits your booth” rather than sitting back and hoping your ICP visits your booth.

In a time of reduced teams and reduced budgets, there’s no room for reactive marketers… only proactive.