Anita Funtek is the CEO of New Construction Show working in Miami Beach.

Every week, we ask a real estate professional for their Short List, a collection of tips and recommendations on an essential topic in real estate. This week, we talked with Anita Funtek, chief executive of New Construction Show, shared her top reasons why to exhibit. 

If you want to be effective in branding and sales, you should consider trade shows as a platform to sell your product, while also leveraging associated sponsorship opportunities to gain more exposure. Trade shows offer a strong opportunity to enhance brand recognition, launch new products, promote your company, generate leads and drive sales.

With so much competition in today’s real estate industry, participation shouldn’t be limited to national and global shows, as local events can be just as effective by zooming in on a particular region, offering a chance to see what’s out there and learn how to be a part of it. Expos like this October’s 2015 Miami New Construction Show (which attracts thousands of national and international exhibitors) gives brokerages the opportunity to showcase their luxury listings, while also attracting buyers with resale opportunities. It’s a game-changer in the way real estate is bought and sold.

Here are the top five reasons to exhibit, according to Anita Funtek, CEO of Miami New Construction Show:

5. Make An Impression

• Impress your buyers: 79 percent of trade show attendees say that attending trade shows help them decide what products to buy.

4. Be Visible

• Let your prospects know who you are and what you offer: 81 percent of trade show attendees testify that trade shows help them to become aware of new products and services.

3. Build Your Network

• Shows often provide panels, speaking engagements and a social component, which are ways to casually network with your prospects and your competition.

2. Connect With A Targeted Audience

• 72 percent of trade show attendees intend to make a purchase either at the show or in the near future.
• 83 percent of trade show attendees have the authority to purchase or have some kind of buying power.

1. Control Your Message

• Attractive trade show booths typically get the most visitors. More visitors means more exposure which can lead to more business.
• Control the look and feel, and the overall message given to your target market within your space.
• You can even create eco-friendly marketing takeaways, if that’s something important to your brand.

An economist, banker, Realtor, university professor, CEO of Miami New Construction Show, real estate broker of The Boscolo Realty and Management and CEO of National Research and Development Foundation. The experienced Funtek describes herself as an economist with a passion for real estate.