30 Tips For Successful Trade Show Participation




Pre-show Marketing

  • Allocate a percentage of your trade show budget for pre-show marketing to attendees. via @VectorDisplays
  • Send a pre-show postal mailing and/or e-mail promising something exclusive to show attendees who visit your booth. via @VectorDisplays
  • Include the show name and booth number as part of your phone voice mail message 60-90 days before a show. via @VectorDisplays
  • Include the show name and booth number as part of your signature on e-mails 60-90 days before a show. via @VectorDisplays

Staff Training

  • Provide your booth staff with proper training to represent your product/service. via @VectorDisplays
  • Develop written talking points for booth staff to rehearse so they can deliver a uniform message to trade show attendees. via @VectorDisplays
  • Share your trade show goals and objectives with your booth staff so they know your expectations and help you achieve them. via @VectorDisplays

During the Show

  • Staff your booth with the employees who recognize the value of trade shows! via @EmilieBarta
  • Make sure booth staff has a UNIFORM APPEARANCE so it’s obvious who can answer questions. via @EmilieBarta
  • Entertain guests waiting in line to get into your booth or ensure there are no lines. via @FrancisFriedman
  • Attendees go to tradeshows to find new & innovative products, ideas, solutions…talk about those in your booth via @EmilieBarta
  • Educate exhibit attendees with LIVE demonstrations on how to use your products. via @3D_EXHIBITS
  • Make friends with the people in surrounding booths. They will be next to you for 3+ days. via @TradeShowGirl
  • Cover minor blemishes on hard surfaces with a matching felt-tip marker. via via @FrancisFriedman 
  • Don’t let your clients see you stressed out in your booth. via @mikegranek
  • Maintain your ENERGY LEVEL throughout the day, no matter how tired or hungry you are. via @EmilieBarta
  • Don’t sit in the back of your booth & talk on the phone. MEET peoplel Develop relationships! via @mikegranek
  • Use company logowear for your staff during the off hours of a show, too. via @TradeShowGirl

General Trade Show Participation Advice

  • Read contract carefully, understand terms, show rules, payment schedule, & space assignment. via @FrancisFriedman
  • Develop a realistic show budget that allocates money where it is needed. via @FrancisFriedman
  • Visit the show’s Website & scan the exhibitors list to spot absent competitors.  via @FrancisFriedman
  • Pack your carpet/pad on skids to avoid “special handling” rates on your material handling bill. via @LindsayExhibits
  • Instead of renting fake plants, buy fresh flowers in pots the day before the exhibit hall opens. via @FrancisFriedman
  • Feature just one or two products in smaller exhibits to reduce the clutter. via @FrancisFriedman
randallw
About the author:
Randall P. Whatley is President of Cypress Media Group, an Atlanta, GA firm that specializes in advertising, public relations, training, Internet marketing, trade show exhibits, corporate event planning, and video production.
My website is at: http://www.cypressmedia.net


  

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