2018 Marketing Trade Shows
• iMedia Summit
• SXSW
• Social Media Marketing World
• Content Marketing World
• Intelligent Content Conferece
Marketing trade shows have traditionally been a place for companies to pitch new tools to reach customers, and successful companies to host talks about how their marketing leads to a successful brand. In more recent years, the best trade shows have begun to feature innovators in technology, more meaningful networking events, and even workshop style sessions where participants can start applying the tools and strategies they’ve learned in real time. In 2018, check out one of these top events to push your company’s marketing to the next level.
1. iMedia Summit
February 12-14, 2018, Bonita Spring, FL
iMedia Summit is one of the smaller trade shows, which is a strength for participants looking for quality, in-depth networking opportunities and hands on learning experiences. The trade show provides high-profile brands and leaders in the field rather than celebrity speakers, and creates an atmosphere of elite community meeting to create lasting partnerships. Summits are held throughout the year at global locations, which helps the event sponsors keep a steady stream of international participants and diverse perspective that appeals to companies working or expanding beyond the United States.
2. South by Southwest (SXSW)
March 9-18, Austin, TX
Operating alongside the long-running music festival of the same name, this conference has become a gathering point for younger, hip upstarts and established companies alike. Huge names in the field such as Gareth Edwards draw crowds to the keynotes and break-out sessions, but don’t let the fun, food themed events fool you. The diversity of attendees and participants creates an intellectually-challenging playing field that breeds competition, leading to the highest quality in presentations and displays. 2018 will include high profile speakers representing perspectives hanging from the social (W. Kamu Bell on social impact) to the technical (Stefan Blom of Spotify on licensing considerations).
3. Social Media Marketing World
February 28- March 2, 2018, San Diego,CA
Billed as the “largest gathering of social media marketers in the world,” this marketing trade show is hosted by the Social Media Examiner, a well-established resource in the field. In fact, the event offers two tracks, one for individuals interested in promoting their blog or podcasts called the “Creator Track” with a more limited set of tailored sessions and a lower ticket price. The “All Access Ticket” provides a more conventional access to the show, including all the keynotes, expert-led sessions, workshops, and networking parties. Experienced social media marketers from small business will get the most out of this event, but there are sessions and presenters geared to big corporations, offices of over 100 people, and even newcomers to the profession.
4. Content Marketing World
September 4-7, 2018, Ceveland, OH
This marketing trade show is geared toward marketing and PR directors and developers who make decisions about initiatives and content in their office. Sessions, keynotes, and demonstrations are geared at introducing participants to tools they can use immediately to create quality content that makes sense for their own goals. They pride themselves on delivering actionable tactics, which makes this an attractive conference for businesses who have problems to solve or want to move past a growth barrier and into new markets. The structure allows each type of companies to have specialized sessions so you can use your time effectively targeting appropriate tools and partners.
5. Intelligent Content Conference
March 20-22, 2018, Las Vegas, NV
With edgy, unique programming, ICC is a mid-sized conference that still feels like an industry insider event. Sessions focus on outside the box leaders, cutting edge technology and theoretical visions for the future of marketing. New products are unveiled with time spent unpacking the strategy behind the decision making, and there is plenty of time for networking with old and new companies and other like-minded innovators. If you’re looking to shake up your strategies or are looking for new technology to solve a specific problem, you won’t find a more interesting or inspiring marketing trade show this year.
Whether you’re looking for technical solutions or just ready to move out of your marketing comfort levels, a trade show is a great place to hear inspiring speakers, try out new products, and meet companies that can support your business. Not all marketing trade shows are created equal, but choosing one of these five top picks for 2018 is a sure way to maximize your time to find the products and people your company needs.
