How to Leverage Global Trade Shows & Virtual Conferences for Expanding Your Reach in the APAC Market

As a B2B Marketing Manager, your goal is to find effective ways to connect with European and American companies looking to expand into the APAC (Asia-Pacific) region. One of the best ways to establish your presence and gain visibility in global markets is by attending international trade shows and virtual conferences. These events provide a unique opportunity to showcase your company’s expertise, meet potential clients and build long-lasting relationships with key industry stakeholders. In this blog, we’ll dive into the steps for successfully leveraging these events and maximising your exposure.

Why Attend Global Trade Shows and Virtual Conferences?

Trade shows and conferences provide the ideal platform for expanding your global reach and showcasing your expertise to potential clients, especially those in markets like manufacturing, logistics and construction. For companies from Europe and the U.S. seeking to break into the APAC region, these events can be crucial touchpoints for understanding market opportunities, finding trusted digital marketing partners and establishing connections that lead to long-term business relationships.

Whether in person or virtually, these events are invaluable for:

• Networking with industry peers, potential clients and decision-makers.
• Learning about the latest trends in digital marketing and other relevant industries.
• Showcasing your expertise in APAC digital marketing solutions, from SEO strategies to localised social media marketing.

Steps for Attending Trade Shows and Conferences:

Research Key Events

The first step to making the most of these global events is identifying the right ones to attend. Focus on events that cater to the industries you serve, as well as digital marketing and make sure these events attract European and American companies looking for entry into the APAC region. Here are a few notable events to consider:

• Web Summit (Lisbon) – This is one of the largest tech and digital marketing conferences, bringing together global companies, digital marketers and industry leaders. If you’re looking to connect with tech-driven companies seeking to expand into Asia, this is the place to be.
• China International Import Expo (Shanghai) – Perfect for manufacturers looking to expand into China and the broader APAC region. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect with companies looking for digital marketing solutions specific to China, such as Baidu SEO and WeChat marketing.
• APEC Forums and Trade Shows – The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) events often attract key stakeholders from across the APAC region, providing an excellent platform for networking and exploring regional expansion opportunities.
  Global Webinars Hosted by Export Councils – Many export councils or business development agencies host global webinars that discuss trade and expansion into APAC. These forums can be an excellent opportunity to engage with companies looking to navigate the complexities of digital marketing in Asia.

Networking & Relationship Building

One of the primary goals at any trade show or virtual conference is to network and connect with potential clients. Here’s how to make meaningful connections:

• Engage Attendees: Look for opportunities to engage with fellow attendees. Ask questions about their business challenges and explore how 90 Degrees Asia can help solve those problems, particularly when it comes to digital marketing in the APAC region.
• Host a Booth or Virtual Presentation: If the event allows, hosting a booth or participating in a virtual presentation is a great way to showcase your company’s digital marketing expertise across APAC markets. Highlight your knowledge of local platforms like Baidu, Naver and WeChat that are crucial for companies looking to enter the Chinese, Korean and broader APAC markets.
• Pitch Tailored Solutions: Be ready with a clear pitch that speaks to the challenges European and American companies face when entering the APAC region. Focus on how your expertise in platforms like Baidu for China or Naver for Korea can simplify their market entry and accelerate growth.

Follow Up with Leads

After the event, it’s crucial to follow up with the contacts you made. This is where the real business development happens. personalised follow-ups increase the likelihood of converting leads into long-term clients.

• Send customised Emails: Reference specific parts of your conversation or what they expressed interest in during the event. For example, “As we discussed, 90 Degrees Asia specialises in helping companies like yours navigate the complexities of marketing in South Korea through Naver SEO and Kakao marketing.” This makes your follow-up feel personal and relevant to their business needs.
• Set Up Calls or Meetings: After the initial email, try to arrange a call or a virtual meeting to dive deeper into how you can assist them with their regional expansion. Use this opportunity to highlight the bespoke digital strategies you can offer for entering the APAC markets.

Deliverables for Success

To ensure you’re fully prepared for your next trade show or conference, here are a few deliverables to have in place:

• Event Calendar: Keep a list of upcoming trade shows, conferences and virtual events that are relevant to your target industries. Plan for the next 3-6 months and prioritise events where you’re most likely to meet companies looking for digital marketing solutions in APAC.
• Trade Show Materials: Develop a presentation kit tailored to international businesses looking to expand into Asia. This should include:
  Brochures highlighting your services, case studies and successful projects.
  Clear value propositions showcasing how your services address common challenges in APAC markets.
  Digital marketing success stories for industries like manufacturing, logistics and construction.
• Follow-Up Email Templates: Create a set of customised email templates to follow up with leads after each event. Tailor these to different industries, including specific challenges and solutions related to expanding in APAC.

Attending global trade shows and virtual conferences is an excellent way for 90 Degrees Asia to establish credibility, generate leads and build relationships with companies from Europe and the U.S. that are looking to expand into the APAC market. With proper planning, targeted engagement and follow-ups, these events can be a game-changer for growing your presence and acquiring new clients in the region.

Ready to take your digital marketing efforts to the next level? Let’s talk about how 90 Degrees Asia can help you make the most of your next trade show or conference and start building valuable relationships in the APAC region today!