55% of Tech Pros Find Vendor Content More Credible After Seeing the Company Exhibit at a Conference

SAN FRANCISCO, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- UBM's Create Your Next Customer officially unveiled the third annual Content Connects research report, which studies the content consumption habits of technology professionals. Developed in collaboration with MarketingProfs, the research identifies the range of content formats that inform IT buyers and explains how and when they are used throughout the IT buying cycle. The eBook advises how to optimize webinars, research reports and white papers to build credibility, inspire buyers to take action and support event marketing strategies.

To download the Content Connects research, please visit: http://ubm.io/ContentConnects

"IT buyers are sophisticated and well informed. Our survey shows that they use an average of five types of content to make a purchasing decision, with 40% of respondents using five or more content sources. To reach them at every stage of the decision-making journey, marketers need to be strategic about the variety of content they create. The results indicate that developing and promoting research-driven content, especially prior to an event, is key to engage buyers and steer them to make a purchase," said Amy Doherty, Director of Research, UBM Americas.

Content Creates a Positive Event Experience
The research shows that content – collateral, a session presentation or a technology demonstration – is the single most important factor to an IT buyer having a positive event experience. Eighty-five percent of tech professionals believe it is important for events to partner with a relevant editorial site where they can access new insights during the event and throughout the year. Lastly, 90% of respondents said they would benefit from an online summary of an event that they could refer to afterwards.

"Marketing campaigns are frequently built around content, but when it comes to events, sometimes content is an afterthought," said Laura Forer, Original Content Manager, MarketingProfs. "The research shows that shouldn't be the case as 96% of attendees look for information prior to attending an event, and 90% continue that search post-event. Effective content before, during and after an event is vital to the overall experience."

IT Buyers Know What They Want and When They Need It
Early in the process, IT buyers are interested in research about a product category, and they turn to webinars and white papers to determine business needs. Mid-way through the process they begin to refer to vendor websites and attend conferences to understand if they need a new solution or an upgrade. At the end of the buying process they want training courses, webinars and other educational content to maximize their technology investment.

IT Buyer's Top Content Choices
Webinars, research and white papers are IT buyer's top content choices.

• Webinars are the most useful type of content at the early stages of the buying process. Seventy-six percent of business technology professionals have used webinars to get information for their job and 54% find an IT vendor more credible if they have heard about their products on a webinar.
• Research is a highly effective form of content. Fifty-five percent of IT buyers use research reports to get information on their jobs and one-third are more likely to join a virtual event or webinar if research will be released.
• Whitepapers are a valuable form of content for event marketing. Seventy-one percent say that they would like a whitepaper that covers what a vendor will be showcasing to help them prepare for an event.

The research was conducted by UBM, the analysis and report was provided by MarketingProfs. The data is based on 235 qualified IT and business respondents in North America from all sized companies.

To download the Content Connects report, visit: http://ubm.io/ContentConnects

UBM Americas
UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc, delivers events and marketing services in the fashion, technology, licensing, advanced manufacturing, automotive and powersports, healthcare, veterinary and pharmaceutical industries, among others.  Through a range of aligned interactive environments, both physical and digital, UBM Americas increases business effectiveness for customers and audiences through meaningful experiences, knowledge and connections. The division also includes UBM Brazil's market leading events in construction, cargo transportation, logistics & international trade, and agricultural production; and UBM Mexico's, construction, advanced manufacturing and hospitality services shows. For more information, visit: www.ubmamericas.com.

Media Contact
Hilary Jansen
Marketing Manager
UBM Americas
hilary.jansen@ubm.com 

SOURCE UBM Americas