How to maximise your presence at motor shows

How to maximise your presence at motor shows

International motor shows are still one of the best places to put new products in front of press, partners and customers, all in a short window of time. The risk is getting swept up in the noise and leaving without achieving what you came for.

Before you arrive, get clear on your aims. Are you there to generate press coverage, set up distributor conversations, meet buyers, build partnerships, or create content for the next three months? Your plan should follow that.

Advertise your presence beforehand

With major shows, it is easy to get lost in the crowd of brands and journalists attending. Whether you are exhibiting or attending meetings, it pays to let key people know you will be there.

A few days of outreach before the event can make it much easier to line up interviews, demos and stand visits. If media coverage is a priority, this is where PR and Media Relations planning makes the difference between “hoping someone shows up” and having a schedule.

Consistent social media throughout the show

Keeping your channels active throughout the event does two jobs: it proves you are there, and it helps you network with the people you want to meet. A journalist might spot your stand on social and realise it is something they have missed on a crowded show floor.

If you are posting, do it with intent. Highlight what is genuinely new, show the product in context, and make it easy for people to find you. This is exactly the kind of situation where a clear Social Media plan helps.

Talk to people

One of the biggest missed opportunities at motor shows is simply not speaking to enough people. It is rare to have buyers, sellers, advertisers and journalists all in one place.

Motor shows are not only a strong networking environment, but also a useful way to learn what is really happening in the industry from other insiders. The conversations you have can shape your messaging and next campaign.

Set an itinerary

Plan your days in advance. It gives you direction, helps you protect time for key meetings, and builds in breaks so you do not burn out.

Keep it loose. You will get pulled into conversations or distracted by something worth seeing, and that is part of the value. The point is to avoid drifting through the day without any priorities.

Take photos (and capture usable content)

Take more photos than you think you will need. These images can be used across social media, press materials, website updates and future news pieces.

It is worth capturing a mix: product shots, stand activity, people speaking on camera, and wide shots that show scale. If you want to turn the show into months of output, this often becomes a Content Creation job, not an afterthought.

Need help?

For more information on maximising your presence at an event, or for help planning and promoting your attendance, see our Events support or get in touch.

Call 01926 832395 or email hello@redmarlin.co.uk.