Trade Show Exhibiting Tips
Whether you are a seasoned trade show professional or first year, there are many things that companies can do to make their trade show experience more successful. In this article, we will list some of our top tips for a better trade show experience from designers to exhibitors. Plus, read on to find out why being at the front of the hall matters and what brands should do in order to be noticed!
1. Build Your Brand
One of the most important elements of trade show success is having a strong, recognizable and recognizable brand. This can help exhibitors stand out and make people aware that they are in front of a great company. It can also help them gain customers because people are more likely to buy from a company that has been around for years if it has a brand name recognition.
Additionally, brands also add value to their booths with branded signage, self-stick name tags or printouts. These items will make the booth look put together and likely provide an increase in business or just additional exposure for your brand.
2. Position Yourself With The Right People
When it comes to trade show success, first impressions matter. Even though many exhibitors may forget about it after spending all day in the show center, the first few minutes of interaction with a customer can set the tone for a relationship.
The best way to do this is to make eye contact, stand when someone walks up to their booth and smile. These are things that many companies don't do at shows but doing one of these things will make you stand out from the crowd. These are also tips that should be considered when selecting an exhibit location since there are many companies which will have set preferred locations within certain areas of the show center.
3. Spend Time Preparing
Before attending a trade show, it's very important to spend time getting ready for it. This includes finding out where you will be showing, staying up to date with the schedule and creating a layout of your booth and all the items you will be displaying. Doing this will make the experience so much better because you won't have to think as much while in attendance at the show.
Another way to prepare is by studying other companies that have already been at a show. You can look at their booth layouts and take note of what they display and how they organize them to make it easier for customers or potential customers. This can help when setting your own layout for consideration for next year's event.
4. Plan Out Your Messaging
The key to getting the word out about your brand at a show is having a plan. This means having fun, but strategic marketing strategies that will set you apart from the others in attendance. One of the best places to start is planning out your messaging and figuring out how to be memorable in an effective way.
You should also pay attention to what others are doing at the show and create a new message based on this information since they may be struggling with trade show success as well. For example, if attendees are standing around looking bored or engaged in conversation with other attendees, you could schedule a giveaway or offer refreshments during that time period.
5. Have Fun
One of the most important elements of trade show success is having fun. The reason for this is because if you don't, then you won't be enjoying the experience and it may seem like a hassle to attend the event in the first place. This will lead to your being annoyed by what is taking place around you and with that, you may lose interest in attending or even show up late.
At shows, there are many activities that can be done such as attending workshops to learn new things about how to better promote your brand or participating in "fun fairs" that happen throughout the day. Or, you can plan on being involved in the competition with other companies and get involved with the crowd to ask questions or promote your brand.
6. Maintain Your Brand Reputation
Large buyers won't take a chance on a company that has a bad reputation. This is why it is crucial for companies to make sure they are always being professional and polite when dealing with others during trade show attendance. Also, it is important for companies to know how much information to share about themselves so that you don't give away all your secrets! This will help you be taken more seriously and stand out from the crowd.
7. Create Touch Points
One of the biggest mistakes that companies make is not letting people know how to contact them afterward. By doing this, you are missing out on a great opportunity to follow up with potential customers. Instead of just handing out paper business cards at a trade show, try something different such as handing out scratch off cards that they can enter their email address into.
This will allow others to easily put their information on your list and provide you with opportunities to reach out in the future when they are looking for a company like yours. This is something people will likely remember and it keeps your name fresh in their mind each time they scratch off the card and see your contact information!
8. Stand Out From The Rest
Because there are many companies attending trade shows all the time, it's important to try and stand out from the crowd if you want to attract business. One way to do this is by providing a giveaway or giveaway with your company name on it such as pens, notepads and mouse pads. This is something they will be exposed to while at the show and will likely remember since they used it in front of others.
Also, pay attention to what others at the show are doing with regard to giveaways and see where you can make your own company a little different than anyone else's. For example, some attendees are handing out small trinkets like ballpoint pens with their company logo on it. Try to make a unique giveaway possible that will stand out among the other giveaways and make your company seem like they are worth taking a chance on.
9. Find A Trade Show Location
If you don't have an exhibit booth at the show, it's time to start searching for one! Often times companies will find a location early in their planning stages which means there is already something set up for them. According to 2016 Direct Marketing Association (DMA) research, trade show attendance was expected to reach 695 million with most of it being driven by companies that showed up at just over one million trade shows this year alone.
10. Don't Overlook The Small Details
At a trade show, the details may be small, but they are just as important as any other area. For example, it may be easy to overlook the importance of having your business cards printed or even signing up for a website address early in the planning process. These types of things can make or break your success at a show and often times will be something you don't consider until it's too late.
11. Don't Forget About Space Planning
When you attend a trade show, one of the most important things you can do is space planning with regard to how many square feet you need and where this should go within the exhibit center. According to conventionindia.
Conclusion
Trade show attendance is a very important part of marketing your brand within the industry. It allows people to see your company that they may not have otherwise, and can help you connect with new clients. However, it's important to stay organized as well as make sure you provide a memorable experience for guests attending the show.
Make a plan and take action to help you succeed at your trade shows! Share this article using our social media tools to help spread the word! Thank You!
About the Author: James Carpenter is a blogger and an online marketer who writes about online business for attendees at trade shows. Based out of Cranford, NJ, he enjoys crafting profitable strategies for businesses in his area.