Many businesses depend on trade shows to gain clients and promote their brands. Trade shows provide an opportunity to understand current business trends and develop a presence in your industry. They are a place where different buyers and sellers meet.
The advantage is that buyers come to a trade show looking to buy and learn about the latest products and services that you have to offer. The problem is the number of competitors you have in the direct vicinity. The way to overcome the problem is to ensure that buyers won’t miss your booth. This article will highlight tips to plan out a successful trade show.
Location of the Booth
The old business adage “location, location, location” applies here just like anywhere else. Most trade shows will provide prime location booths for an additional charge. If you are willing to pay that extra charge, look into this early. Most trade shows’ prime locations sell out quickly; some prime locations are already pre-allotted, so you may have to think even further in advance. It also is something to regard while negotiating your contract. If you intend on attending a trade show year after year, prime location is something you can attempt to leverage at that time.
Look of the Booth
Buyers are drawn to good-looking booths. Use bright colors and fonts and put effort into the design of your booth. It will make all the difference between attendees stopping or walking by. Use clear signs and optimum lighting to make your message clear and be seen from every direction.
Make your Booth Approachable
In addition to having the ‘right look’ and eye-catching design, your booth should be approachable. The smiling faces of professional booth attendants are essential. Have a variety of display options to appeal to different people. Some people like reading materials, flyers, and pamphlets. At the same time, other attendees would like to see a video demo on an HD screen or tablet. Many will want to communicate with the booth staff and ask them questions. Ensure that plenty of booth staff is available at all times.
Hire Booth Hosts
Consider having a trained booth host answer some simple questions and direct buyers to the pertinent staff member in the booth. You could try using entertainers like a singer, a model, a magician, or other types of entertainers that go along with your company persona or the theme of the booth or trade show.
Giveaways and Promotions
Everyone likes to win something, and special promotions or giveaways will attract people to your booth. Be sure that you require something from attendees to enter the contest or qualify to win a reward, such as filling out a contact form or questionnaire. Make sure that the promotional product giveaway is relevant to your brand and valuable to the consumer.
Refreshments
Trade show attendees usually are not used to all the walking around. Offering them snacks and drinks will be much appreciated. Your drinks or snack offer should align with your company culture or theme. Water bottles and any food packaging should come with your logo or business card attached to help remind them where they received it.
Use Social Media
You should have a social media marketing plan for your trade show. One of the ways to use social media is to engage with people who have checked in at the trade show venue or mentioned the trade show on social media. Invite them to your booth and give them a special incentive through social channels.
Follow-up Quick
Follow up with potential prospects after the trade show ends. The more you wait, the more time they have to forget what you said and who you are. All the efforts put behind exhibition stand design will go in vain if you do not follow up. Do not be afraid of reaching out too quickly. Typically wait one day after the trade show ends to follow up with leads. Waiting too long can dilute the connection.
To Conclude
Carrying off a successful trade show involves tremendous planning. Since trade shows are sometimes a risk because of the cost involved and their short-term, one-shot deal nature, it is imperative to do enough to ensure their success. Many of the points we discussed to attract buyers need research and planning. If you frequently attend trade shows, you will need a booth-building partner.
Let Exponents Las Vegas help you find the best modular trade show booth rental in Las Vegas for your next show. We have the knowledge about what works and what does not. Our experienced team understands that every exhibitor has their own goals they would like to reach, so we take the time to listen to your expectations to propose the most suitable solution for you to succeed.