Many of our clients who purchase promotional products use them as trade show giveaways for conferences, events and exhibitions. Those are one of the most popular occasions for promotional products; exhibitors use them to attract buyers to their booths. We have compiled a list of trade show tips for exhibitors, marketers, and attendees to for having a successful trade show experience.
Trade Show Tips for Exhibitors
Getting prepared to exhibit at a trade show is not easy task. It takes some incredible organisation skills to pull off a successful trade show, even if you exhibit at them all of the time. Here are 6 tips for preparing ahead for exhibiting at a trade show, conference, or exhibition.
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Set Goals
Continually evaluate and renew the goals you set. Listing your goals and objectives makes it easier to keep your “eye on the prize” and focus on ways to achieve those goals without getting distracted.
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Plan Ahead and Register Early
When you know you are attending a trade show, register as early as possible. Early registration often is reduced in price and allows you to choose the best spots. When you register early, it can also help you be prepared for the set up with plenty of time to order the proper materials, schedule employees, and build an advertising plan. Make sure to find out the booth measurements and get a list of rules, regulations, and restrictions to read ahead of time so that you won’t have any surprises during actual set up. Keep a trade show checklist and timeline handy that includes the weeks leading up to, week before, and daily schedules during the event.
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Get to Know the Trade Show Staff
Being nice gets you much farther along than not.
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Arrive Early
This allows you to get set up on days where the labour costs are less than the weekend or during premium times. You can also familiarise yourself with the city. Map out the route from the hotel to the trade show building and learn the surroundings including supply stores, grocery stores, and the best places to take important customers, clients, or colleagues to dinner.
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Develop a Marketing Plan
Most trade shows do the job of enticing and inviting attendees and buyers to come so that you will have visitors. However, advertising your presence at an upcoming trade show will ensure that more of your target market will be there and they are coming to the trade show to see you. Call and make appointments with past attendees and have special incentives for them to come to your booth. Social media can and should be a big part of your marketing plan before, during, and after the trade show event.
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Focus on Continuity
Have a team meeting before and during the trade show to make sure that everyone is communicating the same, cohesive message. Continuity is important so that visitors receive the same experience and the same message.
Tips for Your Trade Show Booth Display
Your trade show booth plays a very large role into helping attendees determine if they stop by your booth or not. You can have the best sales pitch, the best product but if your booth isn’t appealing enough to attract their attention and get them to come over, the rest is a waste. Your booth should have a purpose, whether it is in design, messaging, or style, always make sure that your booth display is fitting with the purpose of your booth. Here are 5 ways to entice buyers to come to your booth:
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Use Informative Signs
Use bright colours that match your brand, this will make both your booth and your brand name recognisable. Bright colours also grab attention. Once you have buyers’ attention, you need to tell them something. Include a call to action and tell attendees who you are and what you do. Be sure to explain what sets you apart from all the competition lining the isles right next to you. Be clear, concise, and clever with your messaging.
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Show Specials
Why should attendees buy from you right here at the show? Offering show specials as an incentive to close that sale during the event rather than having to try to follow up on the lead after the show is over.
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Mixed Messages
By mixed messages, we mean mixed mediums. Different people will respond to different things, some people will read your sign, some will be attracted by a video message, and others appreciate a well-designed and organised booth.
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Booth Babes, Hosts & Other Gimmicks
Depending on the trade show and your brand, making the booth a complete spectacle can work in your favour. Booth babes might sound horribly cliché, however they happen to work. So do other types of hosts or gimmicks including contests and giveaways.
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Promotional Gifts and Branded Merchandise
Of course, this is our specialty; we can help you find just the right cheap promotional products to help make a lasting impression on your customers and potential target audience. Giving out promotional merchandise and branded gifts is a great way to keep your company on the minds’ of your target customers.
Trade Show Tips for Attendees and Buyers
Most trade show tips only offer tips to the trade show exhibitors. What about trade show attendees or buyers? They might benefit from tips too. This is especially the case if you have not attended a trade show before. Here is what to expect and how to be better prepared:
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Make a Schedule
If you have appointments, right them down and then schedule other vendor visits around those appointments. Keeping a schedule will ensure that you see everything and each booth you plan to.
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Map Out Each Day and Review the Trade Show Agenda for Special Events
One thing that happens to even the most seasoned trade show attendees is that time inevitably runs out. In addition to your schedule, look that the trade show agenda for daily changes or special events. Mapping out your day each day will help you cover more ground and know where you left off and if you are behind. Don’t forget about extra time for meals, bathroom breaks, and any other unexpected appointments that might take up some extra time. List your priorities and make sure to take care of those each day.
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Pack Extra
Pack at least one set of extra business attire and evening attire for dinner. This will ensure that you are prepared and also mean you will have extra clothing in case your trip is extended, flight delayed, etc. Make sure to have an extra pair of comfortable shoes just in case. You will do a lot of walking at a trade show. Comfortable shoes are a must. Pack two pairs just in case! Also pack an extra duffle bag or something to carry home catalogues and materials that you might pick up while there.
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Be Prepared
One of the big attractions at many booths is the promotional products they have to give away. However, attendees can have branded materials as well. Shirts with logos identify the members of your team immediately. Having your own branded pens, notepads, and conference folders makes for a very organised and well-presented first impression.
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Don’t Forget to Smile
A smile and a friendly handshake go a long way towards making any business venture a successful one!
There are countless options available at GoPromotional when it comes to choosing trade show freebies. To find out more about our fantastic range simply contact us today on 0800 0148 970.
