Shepard Expands Solutions Network with Addition of eShow’s Event Management Platform

eShow and Shepard Announce Partnership

Shepard Expands Solutions Network with Addition of
eShow's Event Management Platform

Oct 24, 2024 – ATLANTA, GA – Shepard, an industry-leading event production provider, announces the addition of eShow to its Solutions Network. Shepard’s Solution Network is comprised of industry leading companies, each offering unique and innovative event solutions to support various customer needs beyond our standard service offerings. Through this network, Shepard provides customers access to a wide range of specialized services for seamless event execution. This partnership with eShow expands Shepard’s comprehensive event service offerings, providing customers with seamless access to eShow’s advanced event management tools.

eShow offers a full suite of solutions that cover the entire event lifecycle, including registration management, trade show and exhibition tools, conference management, and virtual event platforms. Their platform integrates seamlessly with event organizers’ needs, allowing for better management of logistics, attendee tracking, and engagement—whether for in-person, hybrid, or virtual events.

“At Shepard, we’re always looking for ways to help our customers create unforgettable events,” said Cory Smith, Vice President of Strategic Services at Shepard. “By welcoming eShow and their comprehensive event management solutions into our network, we’re giving event planners a powerful new tool to streamline their processes and amplify their creativity. With this exciting addition, our customers can now take their events to the next level, combining Shepard’s expertise with eShow’s cutting-edge technology for truly remarkable results.”

Akshar Patel, VP of Corporate Strategy & Development at eShow, added: “eShow is proud to partner with Shepard to provide best-in-class solutions that elevate the event experience. Shepard’s extensive partnership network aligns with our commitment to offering seamless, hassle-free event management. Together, we aim to bring unparalleled value and innovative solutions to our customers, addressing all their needs through a comprehensive, collaborative approach.”

About Shepard

Shepard is a nationwide event production company with a rich legacy dating back to 1905. Specializing in corporate events, trade shows, conferences, and exhibits, Shepard is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and fostering connections through innovative event solutions. With a comprehensive suite of services and an employee-ownership model, Shepard is a trusted leader in producing memorable event experiences. To learn more about Shepard, please visit www.shepardes.com.

About eShow

Founded in 1996, eShow provides innovative solutions for the event management industry. Their highly adaptive suite of products covers all aspects of event planning and execution, from pre-event to post-event. With a global clientele of over 1,900 organizations, eShow has facilitated seamless experiences for more than 6,000,000 attendees worldwide. Their comprehensive offerings include Registration Management, Conference Management, Exhibit Management, and Mobile App solutions, providing a complete toolkit for event success. Visit goeshow.com for more information.

 

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Best Practices for Event Registration and Check-In

Streamlining event registration and check-in processes is crucial for ensuring a smooth and successful event. Efficient registration and check-in not only enhance the attendee experience but also reduce administrative burdens and improve data accuracy. This blog post will highlight the best practices for event registration and check-in, emphasizing the benefits of eShow’s Registration Management System.

The Importance of Streamlined Registration and Check-In

Effective registration and check-in processes are vital for several reasons:

  1. First Impressions: The registration process is often the first point of contact attendees have with your event. A smooth, hassle-free experience sets a positive tone.
  2. Data Accuracy: Accurate registration data is essential for event planning, marketing, and post-event analysis.
  3. Time Efficiency: Streamlined processes save time for both attendees and event staff, reducing wait times and administrative tasks.
  4. Security: Efficient check-in processes help ensure that only registered attendees gain access to the event, enhancing security.

Best Practices for Event Registration

1. Simplify the Registration Process

A complicated registration process can deter potential attendees. Simplify the process by requiring only essential information and offering multiple registration options.

Example: Use eShow’s Registration Management System to create user-friendly registration forms that collect necessary data without overwhelming the registrant.

2. Automate Confirmation Emails

Automated confirmation emails provide attendees with immediate reassurance that their registration is complete. These emails should include event details, payment confirmation, and any necessary instructions.

Example: eShow’s platform can automatically send customized confirmation emails, reducing the workload on event staff and ensuring timely communication.

3. Registration Paths Based on Attendee Type

Create customized registration paths based on attendee types such as speakers, exhibitors, and general attendees. This personalization helps gather relevant information and improves the registration experience.

Example: Use eShow’s system to set up different registration workflows for various attendee types, ensuring that each group provides the necessary details pertinent to their role at the event.

Best Practices for Event Check-In

1. Use Digital Check-In Solutions

Digital check-in solutions, such as mobile apps and QR code scanning, streamline the check-in process and reduce wait times.

Example: eShow’s Mobile Event App enables digital check-in through QR code scanning, providing a fast and efficient entry process for attendees.

2. Implement Onsite Check-In Kiosks

Self-service kiosks allow attendees to check themselves in, freeing up staff to handle other tasks and reducing congestion at the check-in area.

Example: Set up eShow’s check-in kiosks to provide attendees with a quick and easy way to check in upon arrival.

3. Provide Real-Time Updates

Keeping attendees informed of any changes or updates in real-time enhances their experience and reduces confusion.

Example: Use eShow’s mobile app to send real-time notifications about session changes, speaker updates, or other important information.

4. Prepare for Onsite Registration and Badge Printing

Allow for onsite registration to accommodate last-minute attendees. Ensure that the process is as streamlined as possible to avoid long lines and delays. Effective onsite registration can significantly enhance the attendee experience, especially for those who register last minute or have changes to their registration details.

Example: eShow’s Registration Management System not only supports onsite registration but also goes a step further by providing dedicated onsite staff to assist with the registration process. This means that event organizers can rely on experienced professionals to handle last-minute issues, and ensure a smooth flow at registration desks. Additionally, eShow offers remote kiosks that can be strategically placed in satellite locations, allowing attendees to register or check in from various points of the main event venue. These kiosks are fully integrated with eShow’s system, enabling real-time updates and badge printing on the spot, further reducing wait times and enhancing convenience for attendees.

By leveraging eShow’s comprehensive onsite registration services, including professional support staff and remote kiosks, event organizers can ensure a seamless and efficient registration experience that meets the needs of all attendees, from early registrants to last-minute walk-ins.

5. Train Your Staff

Ensure that all event staff are well-trained in using the registration and check-in systems. This will help them assist attendees quickly and efficiently, resolving any issues that arise.

Example: Conduct training sessions using eShow’s support resources to familiarize your staff with the platform and its features. Utilize eShow’s available onsite support staff to help ensure your event runs smoothly.

The Benefits of eShow’s Registration Management System

eShow’s Registration Management System offers a comprehensive solution for streamlining registration and check-in processes. Key benefits include:

  1. Customization: Create customized registration forms and processes tailored to your event’s specific needs.
  2. Automation: Automate tasks such as confirmation emails, payment processing, and data integration.
  3. Integration: Seamlessly integrate with CRM systems, payment gateways, and other event management tools.
  4. Efficiency: Reduce wait times and administrative burdens with digital check-in solutions and onsite kiosks.
  5. Support: Access eShow’s extensive support resources for training and troubleshooting.

By implementing these best practices and leveraging eShow’s Registration Management System, you can ensure a smooth, efficient, and enjoyable experience for your attendees, from registration to check-in and beyond.For more information on how eShow’s Registration Management System can benefit your event, book a demo today.

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From Planning to Execution: A Step-by-Step Guide to Seamless Event Management

Organizing a successful event involves meticulous planning, flawless execution, and effective post-event analysis. With numerous moving parts, from registration and marketing to on-site management and post-event reporting, event organizers need a reliable and comprehensive solution to manage the entire process seamlessly. eShow offers a suite of integrated tools designed to streamline every phase of event management, providing a one-stop location for organizers to plan, execute, and analyze their events with ease.

Below is a step-by-step guide on achieving seamless event management, from initial planning to post-event analysis.

Efficient Pre-Event Planning

  1. Setting Clear Objectives

Begin by defining the objectives of your event, such as the number of attendees or sponsors, type of audience, revenue targets, or engagement goals. These objectives will help guide your planning and marketing strategies. With eShow’s comprehensive Registration Management System, event organizers can set up customized registration forms that align with these objectives, capturing all necessary attendee information.

  1. Streamline Event Registration

An efficient registration process is critical to maximizing attendance. eShow’s Registration Management System allows for a user-friendly, customizable registration experience. You can create branded registration pages, integrate secure payment gateways, and set up early bird discounts to encourage quick sign-ups.

Best Practice: Use eShow’s automated email confirmation and reminder features to keep attendees informed and engaged before the event, ensuring they have all the information they need well in advance.

  1. Leverage Marketing Tools

Promoting your event effectively is essential to increasing awareness, driving registration, and engaging your target audience. To maximize the impact of your event marketing, consider using a variety of tools and channels to reach potential attendees and keep them engaged.

Example: To maximize event visibility and drive registrations, use a multi-channel approach that includes email marketing, social media, content marketing, and partnerships with influencers. Segment your audience to tailor messaging, utilize social media to create buzz, and retarget potential attendees who haven’t yet registered. Regularly monitor campaign performance to optimize your strategy and improve engagement.

Seamless Event Execution

  1. Manage Speaker and Session Logistics

eShow’s Conference Management tools provide robust support for handling all details related to speakers and sessions. This tool allows you to manage speaker submissions, organize session schedules, track speaker bios, and ensure all sessions align with your agenda. 

Best Practice: Utilize eShow’s Meeting Logistics Manager (MLM) to create and manage function sheets, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), and expense reports, ensuring that all event details are meticulously organized.

  1. Optimize Attendee Experience with the Mobile Event App

Enhance the attendee experience with eShow’s Mobile Event App, which offers features such as interactive maps, personalized schedules, real-time updates, and networking tools. This app helps attendees navigate the event, find relevant sessions, and connect with other participants.

Example: Encourage attendees to download the app beforehand and use it to receive instant notifications, participate in live polls, and access all event-related materials digitally, reducing the need for printed materials thereby promoting sustainability and increasing attendee engagement.

  1. On-Site Registration and Check-In

Ensure a smooth on-site registration and check-in process with eShow’s Registration Management System. eShow provides both on-site registration kiosks and remote check-in options, allowing attendees to check in quickly and efficiently. Dedicated onsite support staff can help manage walk-ins, handle last-minute issues, and reduce wait times.

Best Practice: Utilize eShow’s self-service kiosks and digital badge printing to speed up check-in and eliminate long lines, enhancing the attendee experience from the moment they arrive.

  1. Managing Exhibitor Engagement

eShow provides essential support to show managers in managing exhibitor engagement and booth sales. eShow’s team offers onsite support to help with booth sales for future events, ensuring strong exhibitor participation and engagement.

Example: Use eShow’s lead retrieval tools to capture attendee information electronically, which exhibitors can access in real-time, providing them with the data they need to maximize their engagement and follow-up after the event.

Comprehensive Post-Event Analysis

  1. Collect and Analyze Feedback

Gathering feedback is crucial to understanding what worked well and what needs improvement. eShow’s platform offers robust survey tools that allow you to create and distribute post-event surveys to attendees, speakers, and exhibitors.

Example: Use these surveys to collect detailed insights into attendee satisfaction, session ratings, and overall event experience. This feedback is essential for making data-driven decisions for future events.

  1. Evaluate Event Performance with Analytics

eShow’s Exhibition and Tradeshow Management tool provides tools for collecting valuable post-event feedback through surveys and the Mobile App. Event planners can use this feedback to gain insights into attendee satisfaction, session preferences, and overall event effectiveness. By analyzing this data, organizers can identify which sessions were most engaging, evaluate the success of their marketing strategies, and pinpoint areas for improvement in future events.

Best Practice: Analyzing feedback helps refine future event planning, from optimizing session topics to improving logistics based on attendee experiences.

  1. Plan for Future Events

Leverage the data and insights collected to start planning for future events. Use data to identify trends, understand attendee preferences, and make improvements to your event planning strategy. eShow’s platform integration with CRM systems allows for the transfer of data, enabling you to nurture relationships with attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors long after the event is over.

Example: Use eShow’s tools to keep your audience engaged year-round by sending follow-up communications, exclusive offers, and updates about future events.

Achieve Seamless Event Management with eShow

From pre-event planning to post-event analysis, eShow offers a comprehensive suite of tools that streamline every aspect of event management. By leveraging these integrated solutions, event organizers can enhance the attendee experience, optimize operational efficiency, and make data-driven decisions that contribute to successful events.To learn more about how eShow’s suite of products can help you manage your next event from start to finish, book a demo today.

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Sustainability in Events: eShow’s Approach to Green Meetings

Sustainability has become a vital focus in event planning, as organizers and attendees alike seek to minimize their environmental footprint. With growing awareness around climate change and the impact of large gatherings, event managers are prioritizing green practices to create more sustainable meetings and conferences. eShow is committed to supporting sustainability in events through innovative tools and strategies designed to reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and promote eco-friendly practices.

In this blog post, we will highlight eShow’s commitment  to sustainability and how event planners can create greener meetings.

The Importance of Sustainability in Event Management

Environmental Impact of Events

Events such as conferences, trade shows, and exhibitions can have a significant environmental impact. Factors like energy consumption, waste production, and transportation emissions contribute to an event’s carbon footprint. According to the Events Industry Council, the average conference attendee generates just over 4 lbs. of waste per day, of which 2.55 lbs. is landfill materials. Addressing these challenges is essential to mitigate the negative effects on the environment.

Benefits of Sustainable Events

  1. Reduced Carbon Footprint: Implementing sustainable practices helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the event’s overall carbon footprint.
  2. Cost Savings: Sustainability can lead to cost savings by reducing energy consumption, minimizing waste, and promoting resource efficiency.
  3. Aligning Brand with Sustainability: Committing to sustainable practices demonstrates social responsibility, helping to align the event with the organizer’s environmental brand values and sustainability.
  4. Give Back to the Local Community: Sustainable events can also create a positive impact on local communities by donating leftover food and supplies or offering attendees the option to offset their carbon footprint by donating to support local environmental causes in the area.

eShow’s Commitment to Sustainability

eShow recognizes the importance of sustainability in event management and offers a range of products and services designed to support green meetings. Here are some of the ways eShow’s tools promote sustainability:

1. Digital Event Management Tools

Going digital is one of the most effective ways to reduce an event’s environmental impact. eShow’s Digital Event Management tools help organizers transition to paperless operations by providing digital solutions for registration, session management, and communication.

Example: By using eShow’s platform for digital registration and ticketing, event organizers can eliminate the need for some printed materials. Attendees can access all event information via digital platforms, reducing paper waste and printing costs.

2. Mobile Event App

The Mobile Event App from eShow is designed to enhance attendee engagement while promoting sustainability. The app provides a digital hub for event information, schedules, maps, and networking opportunities.

Example: Event organizers can upload all event-related materials to the app, ensuring that attendees have instant access to the latest information while significantly reducing paper usage. Push notifications and in-app messages can be used to communicate with attendees in real-time, reducing the need for printed signage and schedules.

3. Virtual and Hybrid Event Solutions

Virtual and hybrid events are inherently more sustainable than fully in-person events, as they reduce the need for travel and associated carbon emissions. eShow’s Virtual Event Platform supports hybrid and fully virtual events, providing tools for live streaming, virtual exhibitor booths, and online networking.

Example: By offering a hybrid format, event organizers can attract a wider audience while minimizing the environmental impact of travel. Virtual attendees can participate in real-time or on-demand sessions, reducing the carbon footprint associated with in-person attendance.

4. Sustainable Exhibit Management

Exhibitions and trade shows are known for generating significant waste, especially in terms of booth materials, printed collateral, and giveaways. eShow’s Exhibit Management tools help exhibitors reduce their environmental footprint by offering digital lead retrieval and sponsor management.

Example: Exhibitors can use eShow’s digital lead retrieval tools to capture attendee information electronically, reducing the need for printed business cards or brochures. Additionally, digital exhibitor kits reduce the waste associated with printed materials and promote a more sustainable approach to exhibiting.

5. Advanced Data Analytics for Future Event Planning

eShow’s Registration Management platform provides valuable data through attendee feedback and surveys, and app engagement, which event planners can leverage to improve future events. By analyzing attendee responses and engagement patterns, organizers can make informed decisions that lead to more efficient resource allocation and better attendee experiences.

Example: Event planners can collect and analyze feedback through post-event surveys or the Mobile App to gauge which sessions were the most engaging. Using this data, they can adjust the structure of future events—whether it’s refining session topics, reworking room layouts, or allocating resources to areas that saw the most interaction. This process helps prevent waste and ensures resources are focused on areas that maximize attendee satisfaction and event success.

6. Green Reporting and Feedback Collection

Sustainability reporting is an essential practice for green events, helping organizers track their environmental impact and identify areas for improvement. eShow’s platform offers tools for feedback collection and reporting, allowing organizers to measure the success of their sustainability efforts.

Example: After the event, use eShow’s tools to distribute surveys that gather feedback on sustainability initiatives. The data collected can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of green practices and make data-driven improvements for future events.

Best Practices for Creating Sustainable Events

To maximize the benefits of eShow’s sustainability tools, event organizers should adopt the following best practices:

1. Promote Digital Alternatives

Encourage attendees, exhibitors, and sponsors to use digital alternatives wherever possible. Use the Mobile Event App for sharing information and networking, and offer digital lead retrieval options for exhibitors.

2. Optimize Energy Use

Work with venues that use renewable energy sources and have energy-efficient lighting and HVAC systems. Encourage exhibitors to use energy-efficient displays and lighting.

3. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Implement waste reduction strategies such as recycling stations, compost bins, and reusable materials. Use eShow’s digital tools to minimize printed materials and promote recycling among attendees.

4. Choose Sustainable Suppliers

Partner with suppliers who share your commitment to sustainability. Opt for eco-friendly catering, decor, and transportation services to reduce the event’s overall carbon footprint.

Embrace Sustainability with eShow

Sustainability in events is more than a trend—it’s a necessity. By leveraging eShow’s suite of tools and best practices, event organizers can create greener, more efficient events that align with the growing demand for eco-friendly experiences. From digital event management and mobile apps to virtual platforms and sustainable exhibit solutions, eShow offers comprehensive support for hosting environmentally responsible events.To learn more about how eShow can help you host sustainable events, book a demo today.

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