How are summit events different than trade shows?
While trade shows are exhibitions organized for companies to showcase their products and services, summit events are meetings of top executives who discuss specified topics.
Spingo.com sums up the “why” behind attending a summit: “If you are invited to attend a summit, it is because your opinion is valued, and your position is respected. You will be able to meet and network with other influential leaders in the industry. While you are there, you will have influence in the debate, will hear information there first and will grow your business.”
That small gathering of top leaders allows for problem solving of hot industry topics, better networking and relationships that last beyond the event. Plus, summits are more friendly to the social distancing guidelines that exist in this COVID-19 world.
However, you can’t miss the value of a trade show that allows for the showcasing of products and services. That’s why the Campus Rec Leadership Summit has taken the beauty of the intimate event feeling of a summit and its networking capabilities and merged it with a trade show’s focus on showcasing vendor products and services. At the Leadership Summit, you’ll find a dozen or so vendor partners who not only demo their products but build lasting relationships with attendees.
This hybrid event has been a hit. “The Campus Rec Leadership Summit was a truly transformative experience,” said Dustin Soderman, the associate director of facilities and operations at Arizona State University, who attended the event in 2018. “For me, it allowed me to pair with a small number of individuals in the field with a tremendous amount of experience, and we were able to share and learn from each other, which was a great result.”
Not only does the Leadership Summit produce ideas and long-lasting relationships, but because of the small nature of the event, the Leadership Summit is able to implement CDC recommendations for safety regulations, unlike large events or trade shows.
For the June 16-18 event at The Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, the event’s “Meet Safe Guidelines” include changes to room drop bags, handshaking practices, mask requirements, prepackaged food items, etc. You can view the full guidelines here. Guidelines will be updated based on CDC recommendations.
While trade shows and large events may not be an option in 2021, there are other opportunities available like the Leadership Summit. Don’t miss another in-person event!
If you are interested in attending or sponsoring the 2021 Campus Rec Leadership Summit, email carrie@peakemedia.com for more information. Limited attendee spots remain.
