9 Tips for a Successful Trade Show
Here are some of the most important tips to use for the next trade show.
- Identify Your Objectives And Set A Budget
If you want to succeed in a tradeshow, you need to know what you want to exhibit. Your objective, whether increasing brand awareness, increasing revenue or launching a new product will have different exhibits. However, you need to be aware of the biggest trade shows in the industry.
You need to know the summits and conferences to be held since they will help you gain visibility. Also, you need to plan for everything financially. That way, you don’t compromise on the visibility of your company for a short term arrangement.
It might seem cheap and attractive now but it will damage your business in the long run. It’s time to set up your budget now to avoid disappointments in the future.
2. Make Your Choice And Prepare In Advance
Once you have made your choice, you need to book your stand. Start as early as one year before the trade show. Don’t forget to book hotels and flight tickets. That way, you will have a better choice of space.
If your stand is bigger, you can enjoy the strategic placement and ultimate visibility. Booking the stand as early as one year is also a financial advantage because you can enjoy the discount and save a lot of money. It also gives you plenty of time to work on the design of your exhibition panels.
3. Communication Is Key
Why would you exhibit in a show if no one else is there to see it? Well, you need to send newsletters to your contacts and post on social media. If you are planning to speak at the event, make sure you mention it. If you offer relevant content in your newsletters, you will get the right attention and attract the best audience to the tradeshow.
4. Be Prepared To Network And Get Noticed At The Show
Take a good look at the list of exhibitors before the show, at least a few weeks prior. Check on the competitors and the potential clients such as suppliers or distributors. Build a client list and include people you want to meet during the tradeshow.
Also, you need to think about displaying your exhibits in an interactive way. With a more involved audience, the exhibit will be successful. For instance, create a game related to your business and use it to add value to your presentation and capture people’s attention.
5. Choose Your Staff And Make Sure They Are Well-Trained
If you want your exhibit to go well, you need to have the best sales people. Choose the best people from your team and train them for the job. Explain the objectives and the stakes involved. If possible, you can give them tasks where they can earn incentives upon completion with top performance.
It’s a good way to get them out of their comfort zones and perform well. Also, you need to make sure that the staff is comfortable because they will improve their efficiency as well.
6. Do A Product Demonstration
It will be worthwhile to spend money on the event if you can show your business. Showcase your products and provide samples to the visitors if possible. Have some goodies ready for the occasion. Basically, you are here to do some brand awareness and make sure that people remember your business. Try increasing your business visibility by spreading more products with your brand’s name.
7. Network And Start Measuring Your Success
Speak to all the people in your list and ask for business cards as you give out yours. It will pay back in the long run. You can scan the visitor badges when they visit your stand to measure the effectiveness of the event.
Also, you need to work with the trade show organizer to know the total number of people who came to the event. That way, you will have an idea of which area of the venue to place your stand next time.
8. Always Follow-up
Now that you have gathered a lot of business cards, it’s time to organize them. Contact all the people you have met after the exhibition, wait for a few days at least. You can send a personalized email to thank them for visiting your booth.
Also, you should offer more information about your business. If possible, you should set up a follow-up meeting. That way, you can connect when you still remember each other. If you react fast, you can enjoy the benefits of networking. Therefore, don’t go back and store the cards. Use them as soon as possible and get the people to know your business.
9. Plan The Next Show
You should never stop advertising just because the previous trade show was successful. If you want a good return on investment, you should start planning for the next trade show immediately after the last one.
With these tips, your next trade show will be a huge success!