Best of ViVE 2024

If you've been to a conference, especially one the size and scope of ViVE 2024, there are many things that stand out. Obviously, some highlights include seeing friends and the many conversations that happen throughout the week. But, I like to look at the work marketing teams put into their show presence. There are some amazing leaders in this space, so I enjoy learning new things and keeping an eye out for the innovation edge in conference engagement.

Below is my (completely subjective, non pay-to-play) list of things that caught my attention at #ViVE2024!

Most Ubiquitous Giveaway: Socks

Yes, I grabbed a couple of pairs of socks... While it may feel this trend has gone on for a long time, it is still one of the top conference giveaway items.

Most Clear Messaging: CrowdStrike

I walked the floor with my amazing friend and colleague Meghan Trevorrow , she asked if I could tell what a company does by looking at their booth. As you probably know, this is not always the case.

Not CrowdStrike, they are super clear! They stop breaches.

Most Practical Giveaway: SureTest

Their first aid kit is such a great thing to throw into the backpack! I like the thinking behind this, it's both practical and the kind of thing you would wish to have if you needed it later. It also aligns to their mission to offer very practical support for Health IT teams.

Most Overdone Item: Coffee Stands

While most had a line, the in-booth coffee stands were everywhere, some even right across the aisle from another. I attribute the line to how far people would have needed to walk to get to the food hall...

Most Consistent Topic: Change/Optum

As expected, A.I. was a hot topic and for good reason with many companies using it to tackle big challenges in some great ways.

However, the Change/Optum ransomware incident said, "Hold my beer..."

Most Popular Attendee: Captain

Everywhere he went, Captain was constantly being stopped by attendees to get a picture taken! Congrats to Holly Russell and her dog Captain for helping raise over $11,000 for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation!

Most Effective Food in Booth: Parlance

At a show where the food hall was so far away, these amazingly soft and delicious cookies fueled my afternoons! Thanks for not judging how often I stopped by...

Most Unique Giveaway: Tausight

Fill 'em with water, stick it in your freezer overnight, and et voila! you have round ice! Love this approach to branding with a unique, yet practical item. If you enjoy a home cocktail, rounded ice quickly elevates the drink in your glass.

Longest Line: Professional Headshots

This is a nice touch at many shows I've seen. Seriously, when was the last time you took a high quality and professional headshot? Turns out a lot of people needed this, as the line was consistently long!

Best IYKYK: Drex's Cybersecurity League

You would have had to be there...

And now for our top two awards from the floor at ViVE 2024!

Best Booth: Hyro

Their placement on the floor was in a prime location and the elements they used to draw people into conversation were top shelf! Using a custom built video game (in the style of 'Flappy Bird') was genius and I played it until they kicked me out. They also had a short quiz for people to take about their approach to A.I., which they collected an email to send the results to. The team was fun, engaging, and the booth looked great!

As an added bonus, their focus on using A.I. to help with an

Congrats to Daniela Levi and the whole team!

Best Booth Giveaway: VYNYL

This giveaway dropped my jaw, I've never seen it before. Each booth visitor was able to shop their bins of vinyl records. It was so much fun to scroll through a wide variety of music and they truly had a great selection! I loved the unique approach to meeting people and how easy it sparked a personal conversation, which elevates them as a company you would like to do business with.

Congrats to Nicole S. Harris Roberts and the whole team!

That's all for now!