Accountex Starter Breakfast - Getting ROI From Tradeshows

On Wednesday 14th May, we were delighted to be invited to speak at the Accountex Starter Breakfast alongside Sage, Money Squirrel, and SuLe.

It was a fantastic way to kick off the show — with good coffee, great conversation, and a shared commitment to making events more effective for the professional services sector.

At 2112, we’re big believers in using trade shows as part of a joined-up marketing and sales strategy — but only when they’re done with intent.

Too often, we see firms show up without clear goals, follow-up plans, or a real reason for being there.

So, at the breakfast, we shared a few of our favourite ways to make sure events actually move the needle.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the session:

1. Don’t just show up, have a plan

Whether you’re going for brand awareness, partnerships, or pipeline, know it before you go. A clear outcome helps you brief your team, design your stand, and measure whether it was worth it.

2. Your stand is your stage

You don’t need a gimmick, but you do need something to catch the eye. Visuals, clarity, and a reason to stop by can make the difference between a glance and a conversation.

3. Pre-event buzz matters

One of the best ways to cut through the noise is before the show even starts. Social posts, email invites, and even a quick message to your network can help you drive traffic to your stand from the get-go.

4. Follow-up is where the ROI lives

The show might feel like the big moment, but the real value comes in what happens after. A timely, relevant follow-up or even a simple thank you with next steps can turn a quick chat into something bigger.

Watch the video highlights

We’ve pulled together a short video highlights from the day, including some insights with Henry, who tackled questions on how to select the right events and how to avoid the most common mistakes firms make when exhibiting.

Watch The Highlights Here!

Huge thanks to Andreea, Patricia, and Henry for joining us on stage — and to Cameron for capturing it all on film. We really enjoyed being part of the conversation and hope everyone who joined took something valuable away.

Thinking about your own event strategy?

If you're planning to attend or exhibit at trade shows this year, or you’ve been wondering whether it’s worth it at all, we’d love to help you build a strategy that works.

Book in a discovery call with us! Click here to book in a call!