The 2017 NAHB International Builders’ Show is heading to Orlando this year, and as usual, we’ve rounded up our picks for the sessions you must attend this year. With so many great sales and marketing education sessions on the schedule, it’s no easy task. But someone’s gotta do it.
So without further ado, here are our Top 5 (and ½) Can’t Miss Builders’ Show Sessions…
Extreme Makeover Live: Social Media
When: Tuesday, January 10 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Tangerine Ballroom, West Hall F3
Speaker(s): Dennis O’Neil, ONeil Interactive, Hunt Valley, Maryland | Will Duderstadt, M/I Homes, Inc, Columbus, Ohio | Paul Fireman, Fireman Creative, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Recognize a name on that list? Yes, it’s our very own Dennis O’Neil. Now in its second year, Extreme Makeover Live will tackle social media, live and unscripted. Participate in the audience polls, follow along with laboratory exercises and ask questions of the presenters and hot seat builders. You’ll learn how to build and execute a successful post, and asses the success, or failure, of a social media campaign.
(Note: We’re not crazy enough to think you can be in two places at once. We know these next two sessions overlap, but we think they’re too good to pick just one. So split up and tag-team it.)
Which Worked Best? Creative Elements That Generated More Leads
When: Tuesday, January 10 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Location: W311C
Speaker(s): Robert Cowes, BBA, MBA, SmartTouch Interactive, Austin, Texas | Dave Miles, MIRM, Milesbrand, Centennial, Colorado
In this session, you’ll get to take a look at real digital marketing pieces and vote on which you think worked best. Then the panelists will reveal the winning creative and discuss what made it so successful. For any digital marketer so wants to make sure their creative is getting the job done, this is a can’t-miss.
Appy Hour: Update Your Mobile Marketing Toolbox for 2017
When: Tuesday, January 10 | 3:45 – 4:15 PM
Location: W230B
Speaker(s): Kristi Allen | Jenn Nowalk
This half session is all about using the most cutting edge technology to connect with your customers. You’ll take a look at tools that will help you get more positive reviews; engage buyers during the building process; build social media reach, and set you apart from your competition. Oh yeah, and there will be cocktails. We probably should’ve started with that.
Delivering Your Digital Brand: Brand Marketing Consistently Through the Path to Purchase
When: Wednesday, January 11 | 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Location: W311C
Speaker(s): Liz Reuth, Builder Marketing Edge, Sarasota, Florida | Dennis O’Neil, ONeil Interactive, Hunt Valley, Maryland
Hey, we recognize that name again. In this session, Dennis will team up with Liz Reuth to discuss strategies for digital brand marketing to ensure your brand’s message flows seamlessly from online to offline. With home shoppers starting their search on the internet, it’s more important than ever to present your brand consistently through the home buying process. You’ll take a look at specific examples of how (and how not) to market your brand in a manner that delivers clear, consistent messaging to home buyers.
Social Selling: Evolving Your Sales Strategy for the Digital Age
When: Wednesday, January 11 | 3:30 – 4:30 PM
Location: W315
Speaker(s): Erin Gargan, Socialite Agency, Laguna Beach, California
In today’s world, traditional sales and marketing techniques are becoming less effective and more obsolete. Gone are the days of moving a buyer down the “funnel.” Now, we meet buyers after they’ve already started their buying process on the internet. In this session you’ll learn how to bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds, using social media to establish your online credibility and attract long-lasting client relationships. Every new home builder needs a sales strategy that’s evolved for the digital world.
Lies, Damned Lies, & Google Analytics
When: Thursday, January 12 | 10:30 – 11:30 AM
Location: W311G
Speaker(s): Kevin Bondell, Century Communities, Norcross, Georgia | Chad Martin, Element-360, Asheville, North Carolina | Greg Bray, Blue Tangerine Solutions, Melbourne, Florida
You’re probably using Google Analytics to measure the success of your digital marketing, but are you using it right? While Google Analytics is an important tool to help marketers measure success and track conversions, too many home builders just don’t understand how to read the analytics. You’ll learn what Google Analytics really can and can’t do, how to set up meaningful conversions and get the most of your marketing dollars. If you’re using paid search (and you should be), don’t miss this one.
Coffee (or Happy Hour) Talk with ONeil Interactive at #IBSOrlando
