Influencing the attendees at a seminar

Hire Joel Bauer.

Hmm he's probably out of your price range...you could try a local magician who does the walk-around.

Partner with a local high-end restaurant, and give all the attendees the opportunity of a big discount there? Particularly if they bring someone else. They see that awesome discount and it gives YOU big credibility too, because you're obviously associated with such a nice place. Good for the restaurant and good for you.

But seriously, look into the walk-around magician.

I attended a 3 day Facebook event last year in London and the best presenters kept everything short and to the point. And they all did a live demonstration there and then. One guy set up a Clickbank offer off the cuff and in 20 minutes he had his first sale! All the presenters then had a 'Buy Now' powerpoint at the end, that comprised something along the lines of "...this offer is worth $$$$$$ but you can have it for $$$ if you buy now!" and this did motivate many attendees to do just that! Good luck with your presentation.

Cheers guys, its not really a salesy pitch fest event, more give info, educate and then invite them to take things further which I wil lcertainly be doing throughout and at the end, hence looking for something thats gonna make them think hell yeh mobile is for our business lets do things with this guy

Its the seminar itself Im looking for ideas via mobile to intrigue them (I have asked on the mobile forum too , couple of times, but they dont seem to have ideas there at the moment)

Here are some random thoughts:

--Many rock bands display text messages from the audience on a screen behind the band. American Idol and some news shows have Twitter banks where they run tweets on a big board. Could you have them tweet or text their comments as the presentation is going. Careful with this because it could backfire with nasty texts, etc.

--Offer 5 one-on-one consultings right at the conference for free. Text XXXXX for the details.

--Develop a simple app that they can download that addresses a simple challenge at the conference. Maybe a map of the convention center or a list of nearby restaurants or a list of things to do in that town. Simple but useful.

...or something like that.

HEre is something off the cuff that may demonstrate the power of text messages in a very visual and impactful way. When they text to your short code the message they get in return is something like."The first 10 people that come to the front get a prize"

There will be excitement in the room and a mad dash for the "cash" or whatever else you want to give away.

yes some good ideas thankyou , will consider how I can put them to good use

Off the top of my head...

Give them seat numbers. Have a text based raffle draw event where they text their name, email address and their assigned seat no to enter. The prizes could be free mobile marketing packages from your list of available services at varying levels from 1st - 5th prizes or whatever.

Have someone hidden away on a laptop connected to the web. They are the ones to pick the winners and then bulk text their seat numbers to everyone's phones.

The winners will get excited and probably raise their hands or give a shout etc. The others'll look on envious. You'll gain 5 possible future clients after their freebies expire and the others are on your list for follow up. You know they like winning stuff so keep that theme alive at least once per quarter thereafter.

Lastly let them know not to feel bad if they didn't win, have your assistant text them a bonus consolation prize that can be redeemed on your site. Tie it into something that particular crowd wants badly or into your mobile marketing services etc.

Be sure to mention just how easy, fast and affordable it was foe you to set up that contest, get participants, pick and notify the winners and losers, and build your list and business to boot. All with simple mobile marketing.

Best of luck,

Kunle Olomofe

Put an offer / text offer in your PPT slide deck, and show that to people. I saw a guy from Redbox do this, offering an instant $1.00 free movie rental if people joined his sms list. He was doing it to demonstrate the power of SMS.

About 300 people in the room all did it!