Tag: trade shows

Linking Up: How to Create an Interactive PowerPoint Deck with Hyperlinks

powerpoint hyperlinks

powerpoint tutorial

trade shows

Aug 25, 2014

Creating an interactive PowerPoint deck using hyperlinks is a powerful way to enhance user engagement, improve navigation, and make your presentation feel dynamic. Hyperlinks allow you to link slides within your presentation, jump to external resources, or even open other documents. Whether you’re presenting to an audience or creating a self-navigating presentation, adding hyperlinks makes your PowerPoint more flexible and user-friendly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating an interactive PowerPoint deck with hyperlinks:

1. Linking to Another Slide Within the Same Deck

Linking to other slides in the same presentation can be useful for creating non-linear presentations, where users can navigate to different sections based on interest. This is especially useful for interactive training modules, quizzes, or menu-based presentations.

How to Link to Another Slide:

  1. Select the Text or Object: Highlight the text or click on the shape or image you want to link.
  2. Go to the “Insert” Tab: In the PowerPoint ribbon, click on the Insert tab.
  3. Click “Link”: Select the Link option, which is often represented as a chain icon.
  4. Choose “Place in This Document”: In the Link window, choose Place in This Document from the left-hand menu.
  5. Select the Slide: Choose the slide you want to link to and click OK.

Example: In a menu-based presentation, you can create a home slide with buttons linking to different sections of your presentation, allowing users to jump between sections easily.

2. Linking to an External Website

If you want to direct your audience to external resources, such as websites, articles, or videos, you can easily create a hyperlink that opens a web page when clicked. This is helpful for linking to additional reading materials or referencing external tools and resources.

How to Link to a Website:

  1. Select the Text or Object: Highlight the text or click on the image you want to link to the website.
  2. Go to the “Insert” Tab: Click on the Link option in the ribbon.
  3. Select “Existing File or Web Page”: Choose the Existing File or Web Page option from the left-hand menu.
  4. Enter the Web Address: In the Address field, type the URL of the website you want to link to.
  5. Click “OK”: Your text or object is now linked to the external website.

Example: During a marketing presentation, you can link to your company’s website or an external case study that supports your point.

3. Linking to Another File (PDF, Excel, Word)

You can also create hyperlinks that open other files, such as PDFs, Word documents, or Excel spreadsheets. This is especially useful when you need to provide supplemental information or detailed data outside the presentation.

How to Link to a File:

  1. Select the Text or Object: Highlight the text or select the image you want to link to the file.
  2. Click “Link” in the “Insert” Tab.
  3. Choose “Existing File or Web Page”: Navigate to the Link window and choose Existing File or Web Page.
  4. Browse for the File: Click Current Folder and browse your computer for the file you want to link to.
  5. Click “OK”: Your link is now connected to the file.

Example: During a financial report presentation, you can link to a detailed Excel spreadsheet that contains additional financial data or analysis.

4. Linking to an Email Address

PowerPoint also allows you to create hyperlinks that automatically open the user’s default email program and populate it with a specific email address. This is helpful for creating contact slides or feedback forms in interactive presentations.

How to Link to an Email Address:

  1. Select the Text or Object: Highlight the text or image you want to turn into an email link.
  2. Go to the “Insert” Tab: Click the Link option.
  3. Choose “Email Address”: In the Link window, select Email Address from the left-hand menu.
  4. Enter the Email Address: Type the email address you want users to contact in the Email Address field.
  5. Click “OK”: The link will now open the user’s email client with the specified email address already filled in.

Example: At the end of a presentation, you can add a slide with a “Contact Us” button that links directly to an email address for further inquiries.

5. Creating a Table of Contents with Hyperlinks

If your presentation is long and divided into sections, adding a table of contents with hyperlinks makes it easy to navigate between different topics. Each entry in the table of contents can link to a corresponding section of the presentation.

How to Create a Hyperlinked Table of Contents:

  1. Create a Text List of Sections: On a new slide, create a text list of the sections or topics in your presentation.
  2. Highlight Each Section Title: For each entry in the list, highlight the text that corresponds to a slide in your presentation.
  3. Add a Hyperlink: Go to the Insert tab, click Link, and choose Place in This Document. Then select the appropriate slide for each section title.
  4. Return to Home Slide: On the last slide of each section, add a “Back to Contents” link that takes users back to the table of contents.

Example: For an interactive sales presentation, create a table of contents at the start that links to product overviews, pricing, case studies, and FAQs.

6. Hyperlinking Shapes and Images

In addition to text, you can also create interactive buttons using shapes, icons, or images. This adds visual interest and improves the user experience, particularly in menu-based or training presentations.

How to Link Shapes and Images:

  1. Insert a Shape or Image: Go to Insert > Shapes or Insert > Pictures to add a button or image.
  2. Add a Hyperlink: Select the shape or image, click Link under the Insert tab, and choose where you want it to link (another slide, a website, or a file).
  3. Design the Shape: Use PowerPoint’s formatting tools to customize the shape with color, text, or icons, making it look like an interactive button.

Example: Create a circular icon that, when clicked, leads to a specific product page or a deeper dive into a particular topic.

Final Thoughts

Using hyperlinks in PowerPoint can transform a static presentation into an interactive and engaging experience. Whether you’re creating a training module, sales presentation, or self-navigating deck, hyperlinks make it easy for your audience to move seamlessly through the content. By linking to other slides, external websites, files, or email addresses, you can enhance interactivity and offer a richer, more engaging presentation.

9 Trade Show Tips for a Flawless Outcome

conventions

industry events

trade show tips

trade shows

Aug 18, 2014

Trade shows, conventions, and other similar industry events offer countless opportunities for your business. These events allow you to learn current trends in your field and outdo your competitors.

But more than that, they’re a great venue to showcase the best of your brand. As startup CEO David Adelman pointed out, a few days in an industry event allows you to achieve what could take months of cold calls and emails. To get the same results, we’ve compiled 9 trade show tips to help you out.

Pre-Show Planning

Success comes from careful planning. Our first three trade show tips will help you smooth out details before the big event.

trade show tips: planning
Source

1.) Set your goals. Participating at trade shows is an investment, so you need to be aware of what you want to achieve. Are you looking to promote a product you’re launching? Are you hoping to meet industry professional and potential clients? List down the outcome you want to achieve and this will help guide you make decisions along the way.

2.) Do some research. Not all trade shows are created equal. Make sure the trade show you’re signing up for is the best match for your brand. Before you commit to anything, look through websites and past programs to help you determine which event matches your goals. Choose shows that can help you reach out to key decision makers to get the best ROI.

3.) Prep your team. Gather your team and have regular meetings to plan and prepare for the trade show. Trade show exhibits are a lot like presentations. Aside from the visuals, you need to be able to engage the crowd with good delivery.  This won’t happen unless all of you are on the same page. Discuss your goals and train your team long before you’re slated to attend the event.

Exhibit Set-Up

Once everything has been set in place, it’s time to prepare your visuals and display. Here are trade show tips to guide your exhibit set-up.

trade show tips: exhibit set-up
Source

4.) Don’t be caught unaware. Get in touch with the organizers and learn the specific details about your exhibition space. Learn more about the layout and technical requirements to avoid any unpleasant surprises. You don’t want to be setting up your booth only to find out that there are no electrical outlets near your assigned space.

5.) Make a trade show loop. Aside from decorating your booth in subtle colors that match your brand logo, you should also have a trade show loop set up. Crowds at industry events won’t spend more than a few minutes in each booth. A trade show loop can quickly show those just passing by what your exhibit is about. You can use PowerPoint to make one. You can read our tutorial here or ask the help of our professional PowerPoint designers.

6.) Be organized and creative. Draw the crowd’s attention by keeping your booth organized, but with an element of fun. Your display will be easier on the eyes if you arrange your materials in levels. Place smaller items up front and larger objects at the back. Arrange your flyers and brochures in a place where people can easily reach for them. You can also display a portfolio so others can learn about your past projects. These are usual things for a trade show booth, so don’t forget to integrate something new. It’s common to offer giveaways at a booth. Most exhibitors like to give office supplies. Deviate by coming up with something more creative with a care package, or food.

Networking

Engage the crowd by giving them a pleasant experience. These trade show tips are useful for networking with prospects.

trade show tips: networking
Source

7.) Utilize social media. Most big industry events will have a strong online presence.  Even for smaller shows, organizers will likely integrate the use of social media. If this is the case, tweet about your involvement using the trade show’s official hashtag. This will serve you two ways. You can draw attendees to your booth if they see your tweet in the event’s live feed. It will also give your followers a chance to get a glimpse of your exhibit, even if they’re far away.

8.) Make conversation.  It’s important to strike up a conversation with those visiting your booth. It doesn’t have to be too long. Chat up people who stop by your exhibit, using the opportunity to introduce others to your brand. Don’t forget to exchange business cards. You should also have some press kits prepared, just in case someone from the media stops by.

9.) Don’t forget to follow up. Connect with contacts you’ve made right after the trade show. Write an email with a personalized message. Use the opportunity to re-introduce  them to your company. Frame it in a way that relates to their own interests. Learn more about making follow-ups here.

Industry events are the perfect venue to introduce your brand to potential customers or clients. Make sure you put the best foot forward. Follow these trade show tips and you’ll meet a successful outcome.

Reference

Adelman, David. “10 Simple Tricks For Getting More Out Of Conventions And Trade Shows.” Forbes. Accessed August 18, 2014.

Featured Image: Think Geo Energy via Flickr

Powerful Presentation: Creating a Captivating Trade Show Video Loop with PowerPoint

powerpoint 2013

powerpoint 2013 loop

set up slide show

Slide Show

trade show video loop

trade shows

Jun 19, 2014

Trade shows are excellent opportunities to showcase your brand, products, or services, and one of the most effective tools you can use is a video loop created with PowerPoint. A well-designed video loop can captivate attendees, attract them to your booth, and communicate key messages quickly and efficiently. Here’s how to create a powerful trade show video loop using PowerPoint.

1. Keep It Short and Engaging

Trade show attendees typically move quickly from booth to booth, so your video loop should capture their attention within a few seconds. Focus on delivering key information concisely and visually.

Why It’s Important:

  • Captures Attention Quickly: Short, engaging content ensures that attendees are drawn to your booth without overwhelming them.
  • Keeps the Audience Interested: A concise video loop prevents viewers from losing interest, encouraging them to stop and learn more.

How to Do It:

  • Limit your video loop to 2-3 minutes, with each slide lasting no longer than 10-15 seconds.
  • Use bold visuals and headlines to quickly convey your message.

2. Focus on Visuals Over Text

At a busy trade show, attendees won’t have time to read through lengthy text. Instead, focus on strong visuals like product images, short video clips, and icons that quickly communicate your brand message.

Why It’s Important:

  • Increases Engagement: Visually appealing content is more likely to attract attention in a crowded trade show environment.
  • Simplifies Messaging: Images, videos, and icons can communicate ideas faster and more effectively than text.

How to Do It:

  • Use large, high-resolution images and short video clips to showcase your products or services.
  • Replace long paragraphs of text with short, impactful phrases or bullet points.

3. Add Smooth Transitions and Animations

Smooth transitions and animations between slides can make your video loop more dynamic and engaging. However, it’s important not to overdo it—simple, elegant transitions work best for maintaining a professional look.

Why It’s Important:

  • Keeps the Audience Engaged: Well-timed animations and transitions help keep the viewer’s attention without being distracting.
  • Enhances Professionalism: Subtle animations give your presentation a polished, high-quality feel.

How to Do It:

  • Use PowerPoint’s Fade or Wipe transitions between slides for a smooth and professional effect.
  • Animate key points or product features to draw attention, but keep the animations simple and unobtrusive.

4. Incorporate Brand Colors and Logos

Your trade show video loop is an extension of your brand, so it’s important to maintain brand consistency. Use your company’s colors, fonts, and logos throughout the presentation to reinforce brand recognition.

Why It’s Important:

  • Builds Brand Recognition: Consistent branding ensures that attendees associate the content with your company.
  • Creates a Professional Image: A cohesive color scheme and branded elements make your presentation look more professional.

How to Do It:

  • Apply your brand’s color palette to slide backgrounds, text, and icons.
  • Include your company logo on each slide in a subtle but visible location, such as the bottom corner.

5. Include a Call to Action (CTA)

A well-designed trade show video loop should encourage viewers to take action. Whether it’s visiting your website, contacting your sales team, or signing up for a product demo, include a clear call to action (CTA) that directs attendees to the next step.

Why It’s Important:

  • Encourages Engagement: A clear CTA invites attendees to interact with your booth, learn more about your products, or contact your team.
  • Drives Conversions: By providing clear instructions, you increase the likelihood that attendees will take the next step in the buyer’s journey.

How to Do It:

  • Use bold text or buttons with CTAs like “Visit Our Website,” “Schedule a Demo,” or “Contact Us for More Information.”
  • Place the CTA at the end of the video loop or throughout the presentation to ensure viewers see it multiple times.

6. Set the Video to Loop Continuously

At a trade show, your video needs to play on a continuous loop so that it runs automatically throughout the event. PowerPoint allows you to set your video presentation to loop seamlessly, ensuring it repeats without interruption.

Why It’s Important:

  • Maximizes Exposure: A continuous loop ensures that your presentation is always running, capturing the attention of new attendees as they approach.
  • Minimizes Setup Effort: Once your presentation is set to loop, you don’t have to manually restart it during the event.

How to Do It:

  • Go to Slide Show > Set Up Slide Show and select Loop continuously until ‘Esc’.
  • Test the loop function before the event to ensure that the transitions and timing work seamlessly.

Final Thoughts

Creating a captivating trade show video loop using PowerPoint is an effective way to engage attendees and showcase your brand. By focusing on visuals, keeping the content short and engaging, and incorporating smooth transitions and branded elements, you can create a powerful presentation that draws people to your booth and communicates your message effectively. Don’t forget to include a clear call to action and set your presentation to loop continuously for maximum impact.