By Bob Speyer —

Social Media Marketing and PR could well be the main ingredient at Expo West as exhibitors jockey for the hearts and minds of attendees as well as keeping everybody connected. Creating pre-show buzz, during the three days of Expo and of course the all important follow-up posts show could well determine how much exposure you can get for your brand.

Natural Products Expo West continues to be the leading trade show in the natural, organic and healthy products industry, attracting over 60,000 professionals and 3,000 exhibitor to the Anaheim Convention Center March 7-9.

Many exhibitors will have in-booth demos of their food or natural products with signature chefs explaining the best use of a brand’s products. With the help of social media a brand can boost traffic and buzz by using their social media channels to spread the word.

Below are a few examples how Social Media will play a significant part of this year’s show:

Phone App:  Easy and convenient, a free downloadable Mobile app will be your show guide, allowing you to find exhibitors (very useful with 6 giant halls of booths on two floors, 3,000 exhibitors and 58,000 participants); featured exhibitors; show specials; education; “my show” where you can personalize your experience – short lists, notes, suggestions, etc.; and view special events.

Twitter: @NatProdExpo, #ExpoWest will allow Twitterers to communicate their experiences, reflections, and push out content to attendees and followers, along with tweet-ups to promote products and specials.

Bloggers: Major blogger influencers will be in attendance. They will be connecting with brands they are interested in, visiting their booths (of course directed by Twitter offering caveats for them to “drop on by!”), and garnering content for a follow-up blog.

Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube: To complete the grand slam of Social Media Marketing, Expo West has a healthy and active Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube presence, pushing out content about the pre-show, show and post mortem.

Some exhibitors with their Social Media Team will make excellent use of Social Media to promote their social media channels and offering free or discounted opportunities to purchase product. At a previous Expo West, one of our client’s went viral with a Facebook promotion, gaining huge engagement and 10,000+ likes.

Final Thought

The only thing left to do after this foodfest is to go on a natural foods diet — Non-GMO of course!

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