toolboxOver the years, I’ve experimented with a lot of tools to organize and streamline my business and work with clients. The ones listed here are my favorites (or ones that come highly recommended by friends).

In the spirit of full disclosure, many of the products mentioned on this page are my affiliate links, which means if you click on them to purchase I may receive a small commission or other compensation. You will not pay more for buying a product through this link. In fact, sometimes I’m able to offer special promotions to readers. I’m disclosing this in accordance with FTC regulations regarding endorsements. Thanks for your support!

Marlys

Before I break the tools down by category, I have to mention my go-to source for discovering new software tools: AppSumo. In fact, many of the tools listed below I purchased when they were available as “no-brainer” lifetime deal offers. (Instead of monthly subscriptions – woo hoo!)

AI Tools

This category is exploding with new tools, so here are just a few of my favorites that can help with your trade shows and events. I also teamed up with Personify to create a special report, “AI for Exhibitors” – here’s where you can learn more about that.

  • Voilá – This AI-powered personal assistant works as a browser plugin with a whole library of tools, including the ability to create custom actions. It’s my daily go-to AI writing tool!
  • VocableAI – Want to create 30 days of content with just one prompt? VocableAI can create a mix of blog posts, video scripts, carousels … even 10-20 page ebooks that you can use as lead magnets or a tool you can sell! (Use the coupon TRADESHOW for a 20% discount off your 1st month.)
  • Straico – Access the most popular AI tools, all in one central hub! You know, like … ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, & more. (Get a 10% discount on your subscription when you use my referral link.)
  • SuperCopy.AI – Create custom audience personas and content that’s tailored for each of them.
  • Castmagic – Uses AI to transform full-length audio or video into clips, social media posts, blog posts, newsletter articles, transcripts & more (Great for podcasters or event producers!)
  • Happy Scribe – Create transcripts and/or subtitles for your conference sessions & events, using either AI or professional transcribers. (I use this for Trade Show Insights episode transcripts.)
  • ArtSmart AI – This easy-to-use image playground is great for generating a variety of graphics in multiple styles for just pennies each.
  • Press Ranger – Find & pitch journalists & podcasters
  • AltText.AI – You know you need AltText to make your website images more accessible, as well as SEO-optimized. Now AltTextAI can do that for you automatically! (Get 50 bonus credits when you use this link to sign up.)
  • LOVO Studio – Create AI voiceovers or text-to-speech with dozens of realistic-sounding voices in multiple accents & languages.

Organizing & Productivity

  • TidyCal – Calendar booking tool (what I use)
  • Plutio – Manage projects, tasks, invoices, and more (my personal favorite!)
  • Rambox – Reduce tab clutter by organizing all your browser-based tools inside this one workspace
  • pCloud – File storage and sharing service (try it out with a generous free plan)
  • Trello – Manage projects & tasks
  • Slack – Manage projects & teams
  • Boardmix – Collaborate in an online whiteboard for brainstorming or meetings
  • Sendspark – Record personalized video messages for marketing, onboarding & more (get 15% off when you use my referral link + the coupon code FRIEND)
  • Evernote – Organize all your notes in one place
  • ClickUp – Free project, doc, & time management
  • AirTable – Part spreadsheet, part database (good for teams)
  • OneTab – Too many browser tabs open? This free plugin organizes & archives them for you.

Note: If you’d like to have a free PDF chart that shows a comparison of Project Management Tools, simply click here to request it.

Conferencing

Time Management

  • RescueTime – Track your time spent automatically; free & paid plans
  • Forest – Stay focused, plant a tree

CRM System

  • SuiteDash – I’ve tried a lot of CRM systems over the years, and this is the most all-around solution I’ve found so far. It also serves as a client portal where you can share files, track billable time, send proposals or contracts and more.
  • HubSpot – Their free version includes basic tools for sales and marketing, but if you want more you’ll need to upgrade to their paid plan.

Webinars & Virtual Summits

  • Airmeet – A great option if you want your virtual event to combine education sessions, small-group discussions, and exhibits. But it’s the networking ‘tables’ that are my favorite feature! (They also have a free option for public events with less than 100 attendees.)
  • HeySummit – Virtual summit management tool (speakers, sponsors, marketing & more)
  • Eventee – While this started as a basic event app, it’s now evolved into a virtual event hub with session interaction, sponsor tools, matchmaking and more. And if you have a small event (less than 100 attendees), you can try it out for free.
  • HappyScribe – Create transcripts and/or subtitles for your conference sessions & events, using either AI or professional transcribers. (I use this for Trade Show Insights episode transcripts.)
  • Virtual Event Success Kit – Take advantage of this collection of robust planning tools I created just for you!

Note: If you would like help setting up your virtual events, I can work with you as a virtual event concierge, moderator, or emcee. Please contact me for details.

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