Creating Real Excitement Before the Event
User content brings a personal, relatable touch that no marketing team can fully replicate. It helps build a stronger connection with potential attendees by showing them what others are genuinely experiencing. This kind of content often feels more trustworthy than polished ads or brand-led campaigns.
People enjoy seeing real reactions. Whether it’s a quick post about someone preparing for the event or a snapshot of their booth setup, those small moments build anticipation. It’s like getting a peek behind the curtain that makes the event feel more approachable.
Using this kind of content early on creates a sense of energy. It tells people, “Something’s happening here, and others are already getting involved.” That feeling can drive more registrations and social activity even before the trade show begins.
Making It Easy for Attendees to Share
Not everyone will go out of their way to post about your trade show, but they’re much more likely to do it if the process feels fun and easy. Giving them clear prompts, simple hashtags, or cool visuals to use can help a lot.
For example, a QR code at registration that links to a ready-to-share story template makes it effortless. Or a selfie wall near the entrance encourages people to post on the spot. These small tools become powerful when they invite spontaneous interaction.
When posting is simple and encouraged in the right way, people feel like part of something bigger. Their content builds a shared experience—and they enjoy seeing others join in too.
Highlighting Real Voices Throughout the Event
During the trade show itself, content from attendees, exhibitors, and speakers can create a constant stream of fresh updates. These posts are natural and immediate. They show real reactions to keynotes, booth visits, or quick chats in the hallway.
Instead of filling your feed with only professional shots, mixing in posts from participants keeps things balanced. A photo from someone’s phone, a quick video of a demo, or a quote from a session all feel personal and genuine.
When people see their own content getting shared or reshared by the event page, it builds a sense of pride. They become more likely to post again, turning them into enthusiastic promoters throughout the show.
Collecting and Reposting With Permission
Using user content means being thoughtful about how it’s gathered and shared. Always ask permission before reposting or resharing. A simple message or comment goes a long way. When people feel respected, they’re happy to be part of the promotion.
Once permission is given, feature their posts with credit. Add their handle, tag them, or even thank them publicly. It doesn’t just look good—it encourages others to join in. Recognition is one of the best ways to invite more participation.
Treat every post as part of your extended team. With care and attention, the reposted content blends right into your brand’s story without losing the personal touch.
Encouraging Specific Themes for User Content
Open invitations to share are nice, but guided prompts work better. Instead of saying “Post about the event,” ask for something more specific. For example, “Show us your favorite booth” or “Share your trade show shoes.” These little themes spark creativity.
Giving a daily prompt or creating a short challenge adds structure. It’s easier for people to jump in when they know what kind of content to post. And the variety keeps your feed fresh and interesting.
These ideas don’t need prizes or heavy planning. They just need a little creativity. When done well, themed content turns casual attendees into active storytellers.
Using Exhibitor and Speaker Posts to Reach New Audiences
Exhibitors and speakers already have their own communities. When they post about the trade show, they extend your reach to people who might not follow your page directly. That’s why working with them to create content is a smart move.
You can support their posts by offering templates, branded backgrounds, or suggested hashtags. This helps keep things aligned with your message while giving them flexibility. The easier it is, the more likely they’ll post.
Featuring their content on your official pages gives it extra value. It builds relationships and encourages them to keep sharing through the event and beyond.
Gathering Testimonials in Real Time
User content doesn’t always have to be polished or pre-planned. A quick testimonial from someone who just left a session or visited a booth can say more than a long recap. These real-time quotes feel spontaneous—and they often carry more weight.
Set up a spot where attendees can record short messages or take photos with their feedback. Even a few words like “This was my favorite session so far!” can be powerful when shared with others.
These bite-sized posts build a narrative. They tell future attendees what to expect and help current guests feel seen and appreciated during the event.
Creating Content Highlights After the Event
Once the trade show ends, the user content doesn’t stop being useful. In fact, this is one of the best times to use it. Recap posts filled with attendee photos, booth videos, and quotes give your audience a reason to keep talking about the event.
Pull together a highlight reel using short clips and images. Tag those who contributed. Thank them again in your captions. These kinds of recaps create lasting impressions and make people want to come back next year.
A post-event email featuring real attendee posts can also work well. It makes the whole event feel more connected—and sets the stage for your next announcement.
Respecting Privacy and Community Guidelines
While sharing user content adds value, it also brings a responsibility to respect people’s space. Not everyone will want their post shared. And not every image or video is right for public viewing.
Always check that the content aligns with your event’s tone and values. If something feels off or doesn’t match your message, it’s okay to skip it. Protecting the vibe of your brand matters just as much as adding variety to your feed.
Being consistent with your community standards builds trust. When people feel safe and respected, they’re more willing to share without hesitation.
Turning Shared Moments Into Momentum
What people share during your event can have a bigger impact than any ad. It shows your trade show in action, through the eyes of real participants. That kind of energy draws people in—and keeps the conversation going long after the event ends.
By giving space to user content, your trade show becomes more than a single day on the calendar. It becomes an experience others want to talk about, post about, and be part of again.
The best part? You’re not doing it alone. Your community is already telling the story—you’re just helping them share it louder.