The good news? We’re seeing a return to business cards at trade shows and events. In 2024, approximately 70% of professionals are using them—up from only 20% the year after COVID-19. If you’re part of the remaining 30% still holding out, what’s stopping you? Not having a card in hand may be limiting your event outcomes. It’s time to change course!
Consider this recent experience: At a trade show, I met several professionals who opted for QR codes instead of traditional business cards. Each code is linked to a different platform—LinkedIn, a website, an email, WhatsApp, or a trade show app profile. While these digital solutions saved paper, they also created confusion. The variety of platforms made it challenging to keep track of contacts, as none of them allowed for easy note-taking, event association, or prioritization. By scattering their contact details across multiple channels, these professionals inadvertently reduced their chances of reconnecting.
With no universal platform for seamless contact sharing at events, business cards remain the most reliable way to make lasting connections. Make it easy for the people you meet to follow-up with you.
Top 5 Reasons to Carry and Share Business Cards
- A Reliable Contact Exchange
Sharing a business card is foolproof, unaffected by tech issues or platform quirks. This simple, tangible handoff makes it easy for contacts to follow up without any obstacles. - A Branding Opportunity
Your business card is more than just contact info—it’s a piece of your brand. When someone accepts your card, they’re engaging with your brand. Hand out a couple and suggest they pass one along to a colleague or friend. - Enables Note-Taking and Actionable Follow-Up
Business cards allow for jotting down reminders, helping contacts recall important details or next steps. Without a physical card, details about potential collaborations, investment leads, or hiring prospects can quickly be forgotten. - Facilitates Connection to Internal Resources
Often, the person you meet at an event isn’t the right contact within their organization. With a business card, it’s easy for them to forward your details to the correct person, speeding up access to decision-makers. - Empowers Real-Time Networking
Trade shows and events are excellent for meeting new people who may benefit others in your network. A business card allows you to instantly share a contact’s info or have someone snap a photo, making real-time introductions seamless.
Reduce friction in your networking by having a business card ready to hand out. Every time someone accepts it, you’re reinforcing your brand. Take advantage of these moments—give out two cards, or even ten! The more accessible you are, the stronger and more impactful your connections will be.
Additional Resources
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About
MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.
