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