If you are a trade show manager, you understand how much effort, preparation and investment is needed to create a successful event. What some trade managers may not know is that there are various free social networking sites that will allow trade show managers to interact, engage, covert and follow up with potential event attendees. Over 72 percent of successful US Fortune Global companies use social networking to assist with achieving a successful event.

Achieving a successful trade show requires effort before the event, during the event, and when the event is complete. The most popular social networking sites trade show managers use for marketing are Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and blogs.

Before the Event

If your business already has a Facebook page, it is fairly simple to create an event page. This page will allow you to interact with potential attendees. Trade show managers are able to answer questions that upcoming clients may have, as well as promote their contests or incentives.

Blogging allows your company to get their voice out the potential customers before the event occurs. This will be your chance to entice and engage the people that may be interested in visiting your booth. This should build up the excitement for your trade show.

Many companies use Twitter to inform their clients of upcoming events and news. Utilizing Twitter will also allow you to follow your competitors, other vendors, and partners. You are also able to follow their followers to review what they are interested in.

Foursquare has become increasingly popular. This site allows people to check into a location or event for their friends to see. Make your trade show booth a location for people to check into so attendees are able to locate one another more easily.

During the Event

Twitter will allow your trade show booth to continue to engage in your event, as well as continue to answer questions. You will even be able to play games with the trade show attendees, such as the next 15 visitors in 15 minutes receive a special prize. Your Facebook event page will allow you to continue discussing your trade show with customers.

After the Event

Even though your trade show has finished, you should not finish the communication with prospective customers.

Create a post event page on Facebook. This will allow you to post a recap of the event, as well as allow your visitors to post their thoughts on the show. This will also help you evaluate the event by reviewing conversations, questions, and comments. This will assist you with your next trade show and show your potential clients that you are a business that cares about their thoughts and suggestions.

If you created a blog for your trade show, continue updating your blog. Add photos and videos from your trade show and continue to engage your potential customers. People want to partner with a business that cares about them.

A recent study that was conducted showed that 337 people that were surveyed who attended a trade show and never received follow up reviewed the vendor in a negative manner.