Tips and Tools to Get the Most Out of Your Experience

Five Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Experience

There are specific requirements for participating at the 2022 NERCOMP Annual Conference to help keep you and other attendees safe during the event. We encourage attendees to review the requirements and plan ahead to meet guidelines related to your vaccination status prior to arriving in Rhode Island.

We encourage everyone who plans to attend to register as soon as possible to receive necessary event communications in advance. Any exhibit staff registrations after March 10 (11:59 p.m. ET) will incur a $79 fee and won't allow time for troubleshooting, if needed. Learn more about registration and housing.

Exhibitor registration includes entrance to the Exhibit Hall, breakfast, access to the refreshment breaks held in the Exhibit Hall, and entrance to the Networking Reception in the Exhibit Hall on Tuesday evening (plus one drink ticket during the reception!). Lunch is not included with exhibitor registration, but there are several food outlets available near the convention center in Downtown Providence. Start planning your meals today!

Entice attendees to visit your booth by creating your own unique prize drawings or giveaways or by announcing a new product or service; promote your participation leading up to, during, and after the event (we've put together some tips and templates for you to easily do so below); or invite a client or prospective client to dinner. Get creative and build a plan with your team for an engaging experience.

Don't forget, exhibitors are invited to participate in the Networking Reception and will receive one free drink ticket during the event. Craft a plan ahead of time to get the most out of this valuable gathering. We recommend scheduling one of your staff members to remain at your booth to engage with those browsing the exhibits during the reception, while other staff mingle.

Regardless of your vaccination status, all event staff and participants/attendees are required to wear masks during the event. We strongly encourage you to bring your own mask that covers the nose and mouth, fits snugly against the sides of your face, and can be worn comfortably all day. Masks will be available on-site if you need one. Attendees will be reminded to wear a proper-fitting mask by event personnel. For complete information, visit our COVID-19 Information and Helpful Resources web page. And if you plan to do some exploring in Rhode Island, visit Go Providence for dining options and other fun things to do.

Driving Traffic to You: #FreeRegNC23

There are many ways EDUCAUSE is driving traffic to your booth. One new and exciting way is through the #FreeRegNC23 drawing.


#FreeRegNC23

This year, we're asking attendees to share a photo or brief story about a connection they made with a NERCOMP 2022 exhibitor for a chance to win a free registration to next year's conference. Here are the rules:

  • Attendees will have until 12:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 16 to post a photo or share a brief story about a positive connection they made with an exhibitor on Twitter.

  • The post must include the hashtags: #NERCOMP2022 and #FreeRegNC23.

  • Two winners will be randomly selected. Winners will be limited to institutional attendees only.

Making valuable connections is one of the best parts of participating in the event. Help spread the word about this opportunity with your network!

Your Promotional Toolkit

To help you quickly and easily promote your presence before, during, and after NERCOMP 2022, we've crafted the following tips and templates for you to use.

Copy and paste the sample message(s) below on your preferred social media channels to announce your participation and/or promote your presentation.

[Company Name] is excited to participate at #NERCOMP22. Join us, March 14–16, and find out how we can help you address any existing challenges and opportunities in #HigherEdIT. Learn more at https://events.educause.edu/nercomp-annual-conference/2022.

[Company Name] is excited to present at #NERCOMP22. Join us, March 14–16, to learn about [insert presentation detail] during our presentation [insert title of your session]. Learn more at https://events.educause.edu/nercomp-annual-conference/2022.

[Company Name] is excited to participate at #NERCOMP22. During the event, you can win a free registration to NERCOMP 2023. Visit EDUCAUSE to find out how.

Social Media Tips

  • Start your promotion ASAP. This helps build interest early, leading to greater exposure for you by the time of the event.

  • Include the official hashtag—#NERCOMP22—in your posts to be part of the conversation.

  • Post to all of your organization's channels one hour before the event begins each day to generate excitement.

  • Provide your Twitter handle and other social media channels in your presentation materials or other collateral so attendees can connect with you after the event. Check your channels periodically to help answer questions and participate in discussions.

  • Go multimedia. Use content marketing, pictures, and video during the event. The more interesting you can make your posts—both content-wise and visually—the more effective they will be.

  • Have a genuine conversation. Talk like a real person in your posts, make sure you reply to others' posts when possible, and thank attendees for participating.

Use your daily emails to let your contacts know they can find you at the event.

NERCOMP 2022 Exhibitor
[Company Name] is participating at the 2022 NERCOMP Annual Conference. Join us and find our booth, March 14–16.

NERCOMP 2022 Presenter
I am presenting at the 2022 NERCOMP Annual Conference! Join me, March 14–16.

Use the sample message below to share the news in your organization's newsletters and email communications. Be sure to let your audience know about the special content, offers, or other unique opportunities you'll provide at #NERCOMP22.

And don't forget, participating companies receive a complimentary attendee address list of those who opt in to receive a promotional piece from your organization. Leverage this valuable resource to connect directly with attendees who want to hear from you.

"Dear [insert name],

I'm thrilled to share that this year's NERCOMP Annual Conference will take place in-person in Rhode Island, March 14–16, and we're participating.

Along with a deep program of innovative ideas and insights, the conference is a great place for the higher education IT community to connect and share experiences. I hope you will join us and spread the word by encouraging your professional colleagues and friends to attend as well.

When it's time for the event, please find our booth in the exhibit hall. We're happy to help answer your questions, provide useful information and resources, and engage with you more deeply about your needs now and in the future.

Plus, for anyone attending, you could have the opportunity to win a free registration to next year's NERCOMP Annual Conference. Learn more.

Registration for the event is open. Join us at NERCOMP 2022!

Best regards,

[insert your name]"

Leverage EDUCAUSE digital advertising opportunities to help drive traffic to your booth and connect with attendees post-event, such as:

  • Display advertising: Launch your ad campaign on popular EDUCAUSE web pages, which attract nearly two million visitors per year.

  • Content Alerts: Secure a highly visible ad position in a weekly EDUCAUSE Review email Content Alert (sent to 84,000 individuals).

  • Ad retargeting: Advertise to EDUCAUSE website visitors anywhere they visit online.