As social media continues to grow in importance and popularity, more and more industries are trying to get in the game. There are many reasons trade show exhibitors might want to take advantage of social networks like Twitter and Facebook. Let's take a look at a few ways you can make your trade show booth more social.

1. Promote your booth via Twitter
   
   According to the Trade Show News Network (TSNN), Tweeting about your booth's "specials, giveaways, contests, new products, special offers, and the like" will help draw in more visitors. It's advised to begin Tweeting as early as two months in advance to help create hype.
   
   
2. Ask attendees to engage on Facebook
   
   Socialnomics suggests running trade show polls and contests through your company or organization's Facebook page. Booth reps can even encourage attendees to visit your Facebook to get involved. Incentivize participation with high-end trade show giveaways.
   
   
3. Blog about presentations and education seminars
   
   Chances are there are people who couldn't make it to the big trade show. Keep them in the loop by live blogging about interesting presentations and education sessions. But remember, the key to a successful trade show live blog, according to Social Media B2B, is to "publish before you walk out of the room." That's when your content will be most relevant!

Looking for more interesting ways to get more social at the next trade show? Check out Gallo Display's "How to Integrate Social Media and Trade Show Marketing" infographic here. And don't forget to comment with your ideas!

For 24 years, the Hauppauge Industrial Association Long Island (HIA-LI) has held its annual Business Trade Show and Conference. And this year, the show expects a record number of attendees looking for business-to-business (B2B) information and education.

According to the HAI-LI's website, its 24th Annual Business Trade Show & Conference will take place Thursday, May 24, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Suffolk County Community College Sports & Exhibition Complex in Brentwood, New York.  Those attending can expect a bustling trade show floor and complimentary business seminars.

The organization is looking forward to the more than 4,500 attendees and almost 400 exhibitors expected to attend.  Its website asserts that the event is a great way to "Meet thousands of potential customers and develop new business relationships."  It looks like a promising event for Long Island businesses to show off their best trade show giveaways!

For more information, take a look at highlights from last year's show:

Are you attending the trade show this year?