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Kristin Hovde

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Marketing Manager, Smash Hit Displays

171 points

I have been in the sales and marketing field for over six years now, the last three with Smash Hit Displays. Part of my job responsibilities include building awareness of our company and increasing our business networking. We can all ...

I have been in the sales and marketing field for over six years now, the last three with Smash Hit Displays. Part of my job responsibilities include building awareness of our company and increasing our business networking. We can all learn from each other. Additionally I have become an experienced blogger, now responsible for the upkeep of six ongoing blogs.

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Oct. 10, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 1 other person answered this question

What was the worst booth you have ever seen at a trade show?

Some of the worst trade show booths I have seen are those that are too "busy". By this, I mean they have cluttered graphics that don't clearly tell attendees who they are and how people can benefit from their products and a messy, unorganized booth ... more

Event Marketing

Oct. 7, 2011

Phil Donaldson selected a best answer for

What insights did you gain from the event: Social Media Strategies - Where Are We?

There were some very engaging speakers and thought-provoking concepts shared that inspired me to blog on the topic:
http://linkee.com/s80Y
What did you take away from the event? more

Content Marketing

Sept. 5, 2011

Kristin Hovde recommends this answer by Michael Schmier

Why are so many trade shows held in Las Vegas?

This is an easy one.
1. Vegas will often attract higher attendance rates to your event. Why? Would you rather to go to Tradeshow in Vegas or one in St. Louis? People want to go to Vegas. In addition to attending the tradeshows, there are ... more

Aug. 29, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 1 other person answered this question

Where are the best places online to market offline events?

Definitely through social media. For Twitter, you can use hash tags related to the trade show to get the attention of your target audience. Facebook, YouTube, and blogs can be used to post pictures or event info. more

Event Marketing

Aug. 4, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 1 other person answered this question

Do you rent your trade show booth? Does this help reduce trade show exhibiting costs?

It depends entirely on how much you plan on exhibiting. If you are frequently at trade shows, it would be more cost efficient to purchase a brand new trade show booth. However, if you plan on going to just one or two shows, renting would ... more

Event Marketing

July 25, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 1 other person answered this question

Do you think that using a promotional staff at your trade show or special event is good idea?

I think there are pros and cons to hiring promotional staff:
PROS
They are professional and know how to interact with attendees
Are trained at turning attendees into leads
CONS
They aren't as product/service knowledgeable as using employees, making it difficult for them to answer all of the questions attendees ... more

Promotional Strategy

July 25, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 3 other people answered this question

Do you attend a brand's virtual event to decide if you'll attend their live event/trade show?

Honestly, I don't think attending virtual events can replace live trade shows because of the face-to-face interactions with your target audience or other professionals in your industry. However, attending virtual events in combination with the live ones will definitely reach a larger audience. What I ... more

June 20, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 7 other people answered this question

How far in advance do you begin to plan for exhibiting at a trade show?

Planning should begin about a year prior to the event in order to run smoothly and stress-free. This amount of time will allow you to get an ideal booth space (hopefully in a high-traffic area), design your trade show booth, find and prepare your staff, ... more

Event Marketing

June 13, 2011

Kristin Hovde answered this question

What is your preferred way to follow and/or participate in conversations around event content?

It has been my experience that Twitter is the best way to follow specific conversations. Following industry-related hash tags allows you to communicate with other professionals and find out what they have to say about certain topics. more

Content Marketing

June 6, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 2 other people answered this question

How can you make your trade show efforts more "green"?

Trade show exhibitors have began to incorporate more green efforts into their booths. Here are just a few of the items that may save you money and cut down on wastes:
1. Use Eco-Friendly Trade Show Booths: Recyclable/Reusable materials are now being used for some ... more

Event Marketing

June 6, 2011

Kristin Hovde answered this question

What are the greatest challenges about exhibiting at an international trade show?

It is so important to do your research before entering the new country in order to understand what natives of that country may find offensive. Some items to look out for are:
1. Attire: What you wear in the United States may be much different ... more

Event Marketing

International Trade Show

May 23, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 2 other people answered this question

Should you attend a trade show first before you decide to exhibit there? Why/why not?

I think you could benefit from attending a trade show before exhibiting at one because you'll get a chance to see what works and what doesn't. You'll get an idea on what type of audience will be at the event, as well as why some ... more

Event Marketing

May 9, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 18 other people answered this question

What's your next business PDA: Blackberry, iPhone 5, Android 3?

I'm looking at getting the Android 3. I have a Blackberry now, but it is so much slower than the Android. more

Information Technology

Consumerization

May 9, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 3 other people answered this question

What is the protocol for thanking people for retweeting?

I don't think it is a "must do" but the more that people retweet you, the more people that will see your tweets. It's a nice gesture, but not required. I always send replies to people who RT to thank them so that all of ... more

General Management

May 2, 2011

Kristin Hovde recommends this answer by Joanna Stasuk

In what ways are you integrating the iPad into your trade show exhibit?

Our company, Bartizan created iLeads, the first full featured Smartphone and iPad Based Lead Retrieval for tradeshows. In spring 2009, we solicited opinions from tradeshow attendees, exhibitors and show organizers. Based on our findings, we set out to offer the next generation of lead retrieval ... more

Events and Trade Shows

May 2, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 3 other people answered this question

At what point should a company consider participating in a virtual event/trade show?

I do believe that you will get better results from live trade shows because of the face-to-face meetings and ability to demonstrate and display your products that you aren't able to do through a computer screen. However, I do think it would be beneficial to ... more

Events and Trade Shows

April 27, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 7 other people answered this question

What would happen to your brand's social media strategy if Twitter shut down?

The biggest mistake you can make in social media is relying too heavily on Facebook and Twitter to promote your business. It's true that everyone knows about these two websites (even my Grandma has a Facebook page), but there are plenty of smaller social networking ... more

Content Marketing

April 25, 2011

Kristin Hovde answered this question

How Are You Generating ROI From Your Trade Shows Attended?

Pre and Post Show Marketing is extremely important. One study showed that about 76% of attendees know what trade show displays they will visit before they event get to the trade show. By promoting your trade show booth through social media, advertisements, or direct mail, ... more

Client Engagement

Event Marketing

April 25, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 105 other people answered this question

POLL: Do you access LinkedIn from your mobile device? (Y/N) If yes, please specify the device.

I definitely access Twitter and Facebook on my Blackberry, but I do not use the LinkedIn app. As important as I think this social networking website is, I don't think it is as important as Twitter or Facebook. more

Information Technology

Linkedin for Business

April 18, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 2 other people answered this question

What are some key best practices in regards to linking social media with tradeshow activities?

Working as both a social media specialist and in the trade show industry, here are a few ways I have learned to use both:
1. Always use hash tags on Twitter. It's a great way to get the attention of other "tweeters" who may not ... more

General Management

April 11, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 5 other people answered this question

What are some good ways to utilize social media during a trade show?

Great question and great answers! Working in both the trade show industry and as the social media/marketing manager, I have had first-hand experience in using social media tools to increase traffic to your trade show booth. To touch up on what has already been said:
1. ... more

Events and Trade Shows

April 11, 2011

Kristin Hovde answered this question

How important is the location of your booth at trade shows?

Trade show booths in high traffic areas will get the most attention. Some of those areas include being near:
Entrances and exits
Restrooms
Eating areas
As far as I know, these areas are not more expensive, but since they are popular spots they will go fast. It is ... more

Event Marketing

April 11, 2011

Kristin Hovde asked a question

How important are sponsors to you at trade shows?

Event Marketing

Events and Trade Shows

April 11, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 4 other people answered this question

Are there any mobile apps that are useful for visitors and/or exhibitors at trade shows?

There are tons of mobile apps out there for exhibitors and attendees alike that allow you to view the trade show floor before getting to the event, forums to connect with other exhibitors and attendees, and to schedule meetings before the event. I wrote an ... more

Information Technology

Events and Trade Shows

April 4, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 1 other person answered this question

Does a large trade show always translate into an expensive trade show? Why/why not?

Not necessarily. There are a few things you can do to decrease your costs at trade shows:
1. Purchase a smaller trade show booth, such as a table top pop up display or banner stand.
2. Look for sponsorship opportunities.
3. Don't bother printing stacks of ... more

Event Marketing

Trade Show Exhibit

March 28, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 15 other people answered this question

What is the better twitter-strategy: As many as possible followers or less but valuable followers?

Quality definitely outweighs quantity. The goal in using Twitter should be to meet other people with similar interests and hopefully turn these people into either customers or business contacts. 1000 people could be following you, but how many of those people are actually interested in ... more

Information Technology

Communication Strategy

March 28, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 15 other people answered this question

Are business cards still a relevant form of networking?

I do still think business cards are needed because they allow you to easily exchange information with other professionals you meet at trade shows, meetings, etc. However, I would not depend solely on them when collecting information. There are a couple things you can do ... more

Contact Information

Networking and Relationship Building

March 21, 2011

Kristin Hovde is now following Kevin Gaither

March 21, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 12 other people answered this question

What is best marketing tool or process for a startup?

As Anthony pointed out, social media is an inexpensive way to reach a larger target audience and get the word out about your business. Another effective marketing tool is through trade shows. The right trade shows will give you the opportunity to meet hundreds, maybe ... more

Marketing Process

Marketing Tools

March 21, 2011

Kristin Hovde and 17 other people answered this question

What are the top 3 skills sales people should develop today to be competitive with the new buying?

What John says sums it up pretty well, but I'd like to add a few points:
1. Listening - You should spend about 80 percent of the time listening to customers and 20 percent of the time talking. After all, the customers favorite topic is ... more

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Customer Service

Events and Trade Shows

Lead Generation

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Trade Show Exhibit

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