Trade Shows Q&A: Things To Consider When Exhibiting At A Trade Show
Industry expert answers questions about exhibiting trade show, including what to consider before you enter a trade show and how to properly prepare your booth for the event.
Skilled industry experts in their chosen fields will always be in demand, but if you're looking for that one key ingredient that's going to give your business an edge, exhibiting at trade shows. It's one of the best ways to get noticed by customers, investors and other key decision-makers within your industry.
Exhibiting at trade shows is a proven way to improve your local market presence, for your products and services. In addition, trade shows provide an excellent venue to promote yourself and your brand with the world.
However, exhibiting at trade shows is not a simple task. You'll need to do more than just get your booth set-up; you'll need to concentrate on the key elements of setting up a successful booth. Once you know what these considerations are, as well as what others consider when they are planning their exhibits, you'll have a better chance of success next time around.
1. Write a trade show marketing plan.
When creating your marketing plan, you need to consider the goals of your trade show appearance and decide how your products or services will meet those goals. For example, if you're trying to attract investors, contact prior to the event for an appointment and make sure that you're dressed appropriately when meeting them. Dressing as if you're attending a dinner party rather than an exhibit hall can create a most positive impression on your potential investors.
2. Don't skimp on booth design and décor.
Your booth design should be consistent with the image you want to project. Remember, the appearance of your booth is a reflection of your company.
3. Make sure that you're accurately tracked and reported.
To be effective, you'll need to ensure that your trade show results are accurately tracked and reported so that you can determine what worked and what needs to be modified or scrapped for next time around. Evaluating how your trade show results match up against your goals will give you a clear picture of how well marketing efforts will pay off in the future. This evaluation must include tracking attendance at the event; monitoring booth traffic; counting inquiries generated by your business cards, brochures, etc.
4. Don't forget your booth staffing.
You should have a number of different staff members helping at your booth, each with a specific role to play. For example, you might want to hire a receptionist who answers questions and directs attendees to particular staff members if they don't know what they're looking for already. Another thing to think about when staffing your exhibit area is training your employees. Make sure that everyone is on the same page and knows how to answer questions and give advice on your products or services.
5. Make sure you're following all local laws and regulations pertaining to exhibiting at trade shows in the area where you'll be conducting business during the event.
Each location has its own set of laws and regulations. It's important to adhere to them because not doing so may result in fines, confiscation of your property or even legal action. It's also important that you consider the requirements of local fire codes and building ordinances, as well as your company's specific insurance stipulations for equipment and property loss. Planning ahead for these types of issues will make sure that there are no unpleasant surprises at the event itself.
6. Prepare a post-show report on your exhibiting experience at the trade show.
Take the time to evaluate all aspects of how you performed at the show and determine how you'd like to improve next time around.
All of these considerations will help you to be more effective when exhibiting at trade shows. The more time that you spend preparing for your event, the greater the chances are that you'll walk away with a positive experience to show for it.
About the author: Justin A. Weber is a business consultant specializing in trade show participation and operations. Contact him directly at (847) 592-0450 or visit his website at www.equippingyourbusinesswithexpo.com to learn more about how he can help your company improve its exhibit performance and marketing results.
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By Staff Writer For Juranex | November 03, 2010 05:39 AM ET | 0 Comments
Do you have a dedicated booth at a trade show? Are you bored with the same old booth? Then it's time for an event update. In the latest issue of Interplanners: http://itpub.net/
Top Tips For Attending a Trade Show By Staff Writer For Juranex | November 01, 2010 06:29 AM ET | 0 Comments A trade show is a great place for you to increase revenue and business. Even though professional organizers make sure that the event runs smoothly, there are still some things you can do to ensure your own success and enjoyment. Here are some tips for attending a trade show: Bring Business Cards As with any business endeavor, it is important that you bring business cards to the trade show so you can hand them out to customers and potential clients. This will give your company instant exposure to hundreds of people who may not have otherwise known about your services or products. Be the First to Speak This will help you to establish a firm business relationship during your trade show experience. According to a recent survey, 84 percent of respondents reported that it was helpful for them to be on their feet the first couple of hours at a trade show so that they could meet as many people as possible. Take Photos If you are able to have a professional photographer at your booth, then ask him or her to take photos of your booth and products. These photos can be used by potential clients in marketing materials or they can be used as a way for potential clients to get used to seeing your products and services. Schedule Q&A Sessions At some shows, there may be an opportunity for multiple speakers who share the same subject matter. For example, you may have a booth at a trade show that offers Continuing Education classes to help attendees improve their skills and knowledge. You can incorporate this into the event by hosting multiple sessions simultaneously where you will sit down with each attendee for questions and answer them in-depth. Since these sessions are considered educational, they can be easily incorporated into the schedule of other events.
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By Staff Writer For Juranex | November 01, 2010 03:34 AM ET | 0 Comments One of the best ways to promote your business is by attending trade shows, seminars or conferences.
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By Staff Writer For Juranex | November 01, 2010 02:58 AM ET | 0 Comments When you're planning to exhibit at a trade show to generate leads or increase sales, there's more work involved than simply constructing your booth and bringing a table full of products or services.