How to turn a trade show into weeks of social content
By Talk Street Media · Updated
Film short, honest interviews with attendees, speakers, and your team on the show floor, then cut them into vertical videos you can post and run as ads for weeks. The planning happens before you arrive: pick your questions, sort out permissions and passes, and decide what each video needs to do.
Why film interviews at a trade show?
You've already paid for the booth and the crowd. Everyone there chose to come, most of them have opinions, and your product is right in front of them. That's a rare setup, and it usually goes uncaptured once the booth comes down.
What should you do before the event?
- Decide what the content is for: next year's sales, new customers, sponsors, or your own team.
- Write five to ten questions. Ask things people have an opinion on, not things with a yes or no answer.
- Check the organizer's filming rules and get crew passes.
- Bring release forms for everyone who appears on camera.
- Make a short list of must-have shots, like the booth, the crowd, and the product in use.
What should you film on the show floor?
- First reactions to your product, with it in people's hands.
- Attendees saying why they came and what stood out.
- Short clips of speakers or partners, if they're open to it.
- Your own team explaining things simply.
- B-roll of the room, so edits have something to cut to.
How do you turn the footage into content?
Go through everything and pull the moments that work on their own. Open each edit on the best reaction, add captions, and export for vertical first. One event can give you enough for weeks if you release it in batches instead of one recap video.
A recap documents what happened. Interviews give people a reason to care, and they keep working after the event is over, including as paid ads.
Common questions
Do I need permission to film at a trade show?
Usually, yes. Most shows have media or filming rules and require passes, so check with the organizer ahead of time. Get signed releases from anyone who appears on camera.
Do I have to be exhibiting to film interviews at an event?
No. Organizers, sponsors, exhibitors, and agencies all do this. You just need the organizer's okay and access to the floor.
Talk Street Media films street interview ads and event interviews for consumer brands.
Packages start at $999.