Are you planning to attend an expo or trade show for the first time? Here are some ideas for how to get the most out of your first expo or trade show experience for your business and brand.
Exhibition Stands
This is probably the most critical of all decisions. Get it right and you’ll reap the benefits. Get it wrong and you could regret it. When you apply to attend the expo or trade show, get a detailed floor plan of the venue. Look for a strategic position so that you’ll be able to capture the attention of as many visitors as possible.
Bear in mind the priority is to attract as many visitors to your display stand in the time that you’re there – what happens when they come to your stand is only important – if they come. Be sure to utilize POP displays to differentiate your brand from other vendors. If you can, choose a design that will stand out, because of an elevated or ceiling-suspended display that attracts immediate attention, and is visible from throughout the venue.
If that’s not an option, either because of the venue or budget restrictions, then opt for a stand located where people are definitely going to pass by – that probably means somewhere near the main entrance.
Once you’ve attracted visitors – then what?
There are two aspects you can control at the expo or trade show; the place (where you locate you exhibition stand) and promotion (how you promote your business and brand). Make sure you and your team have everything to hand; product specs, promotional leaflets, giveaways, etc. Be organized and get brochure printing and business card printing done well in advance of the expo or trade show date. You don’t want to run out of these items. Get ideas for other marketing aids you might want to use from experts such as eazy print.
Be on point – with everything!
Think it through before you get there; the setting up process, essential supplies, food, hydration and essential breaks for you and your staff. Make sure that the time you spend there is productive and yields solid results. Set up a system to collect contact details of all interested visitors. If your business is on social media – makes sure visitors are aware of this. Offer something in exchange for their email address or subscription to your newsletter, such as a downloadable report, Ebook, or entry into a promotion or competition.
If it’s a typical trade show or expo, then it’s a once-a-year event, so make the most of it. It might be a long day (or two!) but stay on point, alert and be dynamic as you engage with potential new clients and customers. In a venue full of businesses all trying to attract attention – you have to be able to stand out from the crowd and engage in ways that set you apart from the rest.
