I am glad you attended our webinar last week and entered into our orbit. Your insightful comments are welcome anytime.

Mobile has exploded with the use of Twitter at shows, plus the growing understanding of creating websites optimized for the mobile device, not just the monster LCD screens that replaced the heavy CRT monitors on everyone’s desk.

The excitement you mention about late-breaking news at shows is one of the reasons you’re spot-on about virtual helping, not hurting live shows. Many of the people who attend a hybrid event virtually were not going to make it to the live show anyhow. But they get so excited about the energy, buzz, and event happening, that a surprising number do whatever it takes to make it to the next year’s event.

And as marketers get pushed to deliver provable ROI, not just fuzzy awareness, they are getting closer and closer to sales. Which goes to show that most trends are for the better.

At recent shows I’ve attended, mobile indeed played a big part, especially enabling people to use Twitter for connecting with people both there at the show and people tracking activity from points around the world, via dedicated hashtags, especially when the shows are linked to informational sessions, which make for some of the most exciting shows.

The reason I say shows that combine vendor expos with info sessions/seminars are the most interesting is that obviously tons of industry trends and late-breaking information get shared by thought leaders at these shows, and then people can discuss the content right there and then with others in the field. The networking and learning is a major reason to attend.

It’s been said that “B2B marketing is dead” (see links) but what that really means is the manner of marketing has changed. It’s more and more about establishing relationships founded on trust and respect. The “B2B” equation becomes an “I2I” (individual to individual). It’s more than ever about listening, on each side. Which is why all the channels of social media make even more sense, if used judiciously–after all SoMe is about engaged listening and sharing.

http://everythingtechnologymarketing.blogspot.com/2010/06/is-traditional-b2b-marketing-dead.html

http://www.btobonline.com/article/20110117/FREE/301179978/is-b-to-b-marketing-really-obsolete

It’s also been speculated that live trade shows are in jeopardy due to virtual events and contracting budgets, but I find if anything they are getting more interesting and valuable as people maximize their budgets and time there. Recent online/digital shows I’ve attended have only underscored for me the necessity of real events. They are great for listening to some good presentations (often while processing email) and can be decent for generating Twitter sessions, but they lack touch and feel immediacy and typically do nothing to promote product except for very indirectly, and the virtual bonds are much weaker than those from shows. I suspect this newer addition will supplement and increase the number of real trade shows.

Finally, it’s clear that the distinction between sales and marketing really is getting fuzzier all the time, which means more accountability, sharing of goals and intelligence through the organization, with the emphasis on what’s best for the customer in the cycle. Good changes!

There are other social media sites that have millions of members and lots of views, sites such as Flikr, Delicious, Digg, Reddit, and Stumbleupon I don’t think they are a waste. I just think it’s too overwhelming to attempt everything at once, so if you just maximize your opportunities with the larger audiences at YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn you’re doing great.

I would say that while you interact via those 4, be serious about creating your own blog (via WordPress!) to tie in all your social media activities.

Also, the list of those top 4 sites? It may change in 6 months, and most certainly in a year or two, so the choice of social media sites needs revisiting as they are constantly evolving.