The annual Electronics Distribution Show (EDS) takes place next week, and it will be my first experience with a show or conference in the interconnects, passives, and electromechanical (IP&E) industry. I've spent a few years in the marketing and social media tradeshow world, and I love the energy and enthusiasm that accompanies these kinds of events.
As an "e-guy," I like my tools electric and my conversations broken up in 140-character segments. I embrace new technology and ways to connect online. I've learned to love the art of business relationships on the Web, but sometimes, business happens best face-to-face. There is no substitute for the opportunity to put faces and voices to names and handles; there's no greater reassurance of trust than a handshake and the look in someone's eyes.
Say it Loud
Tradeshows are the perfect place to flex your social muscle. Social media allows you to connect with people at the event and share your experiences with those who couldn't make it. It helps you to spread your reach further than your physical presence. It allows you to continue your conversations once the event is over and build relationships you created face-to-face. You can share new information with your followers and friends, and that can lead to new followers and friends.
TTI will be soaking up EDS's atmosphere, meeting people, and sharing information. We'll keep a constant communication stream going from the event to our followers, to help you stay up-to-date on the industry’s biggest North American show.
Join the conversation about what's going on at EDS using your chosen social medium:
Twitter:
Twitter is the mother of the backchannel for events, allowing for quick, short, and timely posts during sessions and on the go. I'll be tweeting from @TTIinc.
Facebook:
Facebook also allows for posts on the go and is great for sharing pictures and sparking conversation about post topics. Look out for posts on our Facebook page.
LinkedIn:
Though less timely than Twitter and Facebook, LinkedIn allows you to get involved in lengthier, more detailed discussions. We will be posting to our LinkedIn group daily.
The funny thing about conferences is that you get out of them what you put in, so give yourself the best opportunity to connect. Feel free to make comments, share your thoughts, and ask questions any time. Whether it's in person or on the Web, we look forward to connecting with you at EDS.
@Barbara -- Your comment got me thinking that it would be nice to have a resource for those new to social where they could get the skinny on the most popular social networking sites. My team built one today just for this reason:
@Barbara -- I'll be as interested as you. I have heard similar comments from others about past EDS shows. Shows usually key on three things: Networking, Education, and Industry improvement. I've heard mixed messages about the goals for EDS as a show, but fortunately, these three areas are core pillars for social media. I've been lucky enough to see shows where paricipants and speakers take advantage of the benefits of Social and those where the backchannel is dominated by silence or sales pitches. The ideal environment is where the three pillars are given equal weight; where there is room for relationship-building and for sales.
Hi Andy--I'll be interested to hear what you think post-EDS. One of the common complaints of the show is many participants end up being secluded in suites for days having those face-to-face meetings...or running between meetings with a quick "hello!" to people in the walkways! it's always been an interesting dynamic. Maybe social media will ad another dimension tot he show--we can only try, right?
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
While no one really can accurately predict the future, we can take guidance from another Drucker saying which is the best way to predict the future is to create it.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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