ad:tech - Oh, the gimmicks at the show

One of the best things about a conference is the ways in which a company will try to lure attendees into its booth. Of course, there’s the depressingly obvious and narrow-minded use of the “booth babe” (see Valleywag’s round up for more on that), but it’s inspiring when companies get a little creative. Yesterday afternoon, Paul McEnany from HeeHaw Marketing and I took to the ad:tech Exhibition Hall in search of free stuff and craptacular gimmicks.

AdShuffle and Adify were both giving away a free Wii. AdShuffle handed out tote bags with little scratch tickets attached. Paul apparently “won” and he was psyched, until he realized he was only a runner up when he was handed a bright orange AdShuffle-branded Rubik’s Cube.

Vegas time over at the Adify booth – my bet via business card placement almost won me a Wii. So close, and yet so far away.

Then there was eBuddy.

Yep. There we are. Inappropriately hype.

And of course, we can’t forget the Cashinator. Paul and I wandered over to this booth and Paul asked if he could try. Of course, they let him in (why wouldn’t they, right?) and he grabbed 10 bucks out of the air.

But then when I asked to go in, the Cashinator Guardian wouldn’t let me play! He said I wasn’t currently working with them or something… even before he asked where I worked or what I did. And when he finally inquired, he had no idea what my company was or what we did (for the record, I work for a global digital ad agency – he would have had to be living in a subway tunnel not to have heard of us in this industry). Shocking. Pretty offensive stuff, especially considering he had been flirting with a booth babe before he turned to me and denied me entrance. But at least this little incident made me remember the company name – it’s Market Leverage in case you were wondering. So nice work Cashinator Guardian. Kudos to you and your magical box of $2 bills.   

Comments

[Sal Guarino]

Hi Ryan,

Sal Guarino here, President of Market Leverage. I have to say I was disappointed to read your comments today amidst the many others we have been seeing about what was a very positive and successful Ad:Tech SF show over all. Anyway, let me offer my sincere apologies to you for what sounds like a bad experience you had at the booth. Would you be kind enough to give me a call or shoot me your # and a good time to buzz you to discuss this further? I would greatly appreciate it. THANKS! Sal (845 699-1589)

[RyanB]

Hello Sal,
Thanks for your response. When I went to check out Market Leverage on Tuesday, everyone at your booth was super friendly. Wednesday, however, was a different story (described in the post).

I understand if you don't want people to get free cash who aren't viable business associates - that's totally fair. The problem was the immediate, downright rude write-off I was given. How could your colleague assess me and my interest in your company without asking me any questions? Without talking to me at all? Based on my looks? My friends? My clothes? ...Not cool.

I'd be happy to chat further with you about this if you'd like. Please e-mail me directly.

Best,
RyanB

[Sal Guarino]

Thanks for your candor Ryan. I definitely appreciate that. I will follow up with you directly shortly.

Sal

[CNKeach]

It's good that the CEO of Market Leverage contacted you. Your story is pretty disturbing. I wonder how well ML interviews/selects its representatives. Please let us know how this turns out.

Nikki