New York City — Is the success of a trade show determined solely by the number of leads it generates for attendees and exhibitors alike?
It’s easy to lose sight of the importance of networking and brand awareness, but each public event is an opportunity to “put on a happy face” and show strangers, potential customers and established players in the industry that you’re a part of the game.
The Cannabis World Congress and Business Exposition in NYC was just such an opportunity. While the state of New York is not quite the market we’d all hoped for, it is getting there; maybe even by next year! Many attendees came from surrounding states like Massachusetts, Maine and Connecticut (to name a few), while a few international members of the audience visited from Brazil, Canada, Colombia and Jamaica.
If you presented your business to New Yorkers at the CWCB Expo, which was held at the Jakob K. Javits Convention Center from May 30th to June 2nd, 2018, this will most likely payout future dividends. This is especially true of the attendees and exhibitors who took the time to network (not solicit) at the event’s after parties; such as the open bar “booze cruise” that took place on a bea-utiful Friday night (June 1st).
Trade Show Networking & After Parties
Networking can take on many forms, but in the instance of the CWCB Expo the most tangible networking opportunities came from interactions at the after parties. The main event was the Yacht Party aboard “The Duchess,” which launched from Pier 81 for a three-hour tour along the Hudson River and offered stunning sunset views of the New York City skyline.
While an expo’s open floor hours and conference talks offer unique insights into the industry itself, the after parties are where many exhibitors and attendees cut loose as they’re no longer “on the clock.” This relaxed setting allows personal relationships to flourish. Business conversations just sort of happen without the awkward solicitation and rehearsed song n’ dance that typically plays out on the trade show floor.
In addition, the after parties are a great way to blow off steam and meet some awesome new people. The CEO of The Emerald Magazine, Christina DeGiovanni, said that, “The yacht cruise was by far the best trade show after party I’ve been to so far.” Live band, check. Open bar, check. Stunning view, check. Good people, double check.
That’s a strong endorsement for brands, like Alt Thirty Six, who were sponsors of the event. This offers up a serving of marketing “food for thought” to chew on before next year’s CWCB Expo in New York City.
Trade shows offer no shortage of networking and business opportunities, check back for reviews of our experiences at these events!
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