To plan a successful trade show, you must be organised, patient, and creative about your exhibit. Trade shows are a fantastic way of gaining leads and returns on investments and it’s important to prepare wisely for an event you’re attending. Having an exhibit at a trade show can be an enormous investment for businesses and competing businesses will likely be attending and preparing too. so check out these 3 tips for your next trade show so that you can stand out from the crowd and get the return you want from the whole event.
Prepare your staff
The staff that you’re taking to the trade show are literally going to be the face of your company, and it’s important to train everyone ready for the event. Teach them how to capture the attention of passers-by and when they’ve got their attention, how to land the sale you’re after. You should also have dedicated members of staff updating your exhibit and fine-tuning any problems that may arise.
Another great way of boosting your exhibit is by laying down a dress code for yourself and your staff members. If you have a work uniform, make sure everyone is wearing it to the standards you expect them to. If you don’t normally have a uniform, consider buying matching t-shirts to show off your company with pride.
Give out something for nothing
Nobody can resist something for nothing, and if you’re offering something for free at your exhibit, you’re bound to have plenty of visitors flocking to your stand. Find a merchandise supplier that will do you a good deal on large bulks of merchandise such as pens, caps, t-shirts, mugs and lanyards to give out to your customers and other interested parties.
It might be an idea to consider providing refreshments at your stall too to entice people in. Finger foods such as sausage rolls, cakes, biscuits and crisps are a great example. Don’t forget to have plenty of hot coffee and tea being served so people stick around even longer!
Create a social media buzz
Social media is one of your best friends when it comes to trade shows because you can use it to create a buzz before, during, and after the trade show. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Write a blog post detailing what the trade show is for, where it is, and what exhibit number you’re on so that people can come and find you.
- Take pictures during the event to upload straight to your social media accounts and allow people who couldn’t make it keep up with the event as it happens.
- Do a write up of the show after and include other brands or exhibits. Give your honest opinion and credit other companies for their hard work. This can help create a good working relationship and perhaps a collaboration.
Ultimately, a trade show should be a useful and fun event for you and your business to be a part of. So remember to have fun, create some leads, and show off the enterprise you’ve worked hard to build!
