CALL US 24 / 7
The Global Petroleum Show 2015: Overview
Apr 29, 2015
Go big, or go home. If you’re only at one trade show or conference this year, make it the Global Petroleum Show (GPS) in Calgary, Alberta, June 9–11.
The hook: direct, in-person access to the entire energy supply chain at Western Canada’s premier oil and gas industry innovation showcase. Strategically consolidate your business development to three days of quality lead generation, competitor research and new technology/process education, all in one place.
What makes GPS worth your money? GPS organizers dmg :: events provide these corroborating factoids: the whole shebang will feature 2,000 exhibitor brands and 63,000+ registered attendees, from 100 countries; 72% of attendees are looking for new business; 83% of attendees rate their experience as excellent, or very good; 82% of international attendees have sole or joint purchasing authority; and 74% of attendees directly influence their company’s purchases.
Running since 1968, strategic concurrent events now add value to the GPS experience: the International Energy Capital Forum (IECF), a networking event for connecting investors with the energy industry; the SPE Canada Heavy Oil Technical Conference, a showcase and learning forum for heavy oil exploration and production technology, process and best practice; and for the first time this year, the GPS Awards, recognizing innovation and leadership in the international energy industry through technology, corporate social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and operational excellence.
At time of writing, 96% of the trade show’s 700,000+ net square feet of indoor/outdoor space is already booked out. Presentation Theatre (featured presentations/demos) submissions are accepted up to May 1, and attendee registration remains open through the trade show dates (free if you register here). Conference and special event registration is on top of your GPS trade show pass.
Get noticed at the GPS: As an electrical contracting business, push the innovative, environmentally friendly and cost effective angle with your materials, services, products or software. With about a month to go, about 10% of currently registered GPS 2015 exhibitors are electrical contracting companies, primarily from Canada, the United States and Europe. The trade show has a mainly B2B focus, encompassing engineering and construction; environmental sustainability; field services; government and regulatory health; safety and security; information and communications; manufacturing/distributing; operations and maintenance; research and development; software and technology; and transportation and logistics. With that broad a scope, there are opportunities for electrical contractors of all classes, service levels, product offerings and reach.
The best endorsement we can offer for attending the GPS? Trinity Power Rentals will be there again this June, for the 5th year. “An incomparable Canadian networking event with bountiful business opportunities and learning experiences,” says Dustin Jordan, Sales Manager.
Trade show tips—maximize your ROI from the GPS with a few solid trade show tips from our own experience:
For Attendees
- Allocate: It may seem obvious, but you need to dedicate specific blocks of time to visit the exhibition floor and actively interact with your targeted vendors. There’s a lot of square footage to cover, and not a lot of time to do it. This is the opportunity to meet several vendors that affect your business in just a few days, in one place.
- Prioritize: Review your current business objectives (cost effective temporary power rental, for example) and work the aisles systematically, using the exhibitor floor plan and event/conference timetable as a guide; a full floor sometimes means less direct face-to-face time for you.
- Execute: Call any exhibitor prior to the convention to find out who will be attending, and arrange a meeting either on the floor or off the premises. Many booths at a trade show of this size will not only have local or regional representatives but also executives from corporate.
- Execute: Bring a list of requirements or specifications and collateral, for vendors to review—that makes it easier for them to understand what you’re looking for, or what you’re pitching. If the products are on display, request a demo—and be prepared to do a demo yourself. The business card is still a must-have, but not the only thing you’ll need on you at all times.
- Execute: Find out what’s trending and what potential new markets are out there. The key is to not just look at the new products at the booths, but to also review the ads in the magazine and guide, and to pay attention to vendors’ informal conversations about future products that may not be at the show—or about their company’s pain points.
For Exhibitors
- Knowledge: Be very familiar with your product or solution, and be willing to provide the information anytime, anywhere (yes, that does include hallways and elevators). Attendees highly value product knowledge and face-to-face interaction, or they wouldn’t be there.
- Credibility: Trade show booth duty can be a tough job, but you can’t let it show. Respect all visitors to your booth and maintain a professional attitude at all times, as you may have no idea what influence they have beyond the title on their badge.
- Presentation: Ensure your body language sends a welcoming and attentive message, no matter how tired you are. Keep any pitches and presentations short; an intro pitch should be no more than 30 seconds, and five minutes is a good show-floor presentation length. Query the attendee’s needs, then focus on key points only, tailoring the content of your pitch or presentation for easier recall by your visitor. Close by repeating the key features and benefits and suggesting next steps—don’t let your visitor leave without a concrete action in place.
See you in June at the GPS Corral, at Booth 2111. Find out how Trinity Power Rentals can help your company succeed in today’s economic environment: Book your GPS face-to-face time with us by submitting the form below.
