subject: Tips for First Time Trade Show Exhibitors [print this page] Tips for First Time Trade Show Exhibitors
If are planning to market your product at trade shows, you should consider a couple of things carefully. For successful trade show participation, you must first allocate a budget and plan in advance. Planning includes everything from what displays you will use (customized, pop-up, fabric displays, plasma screens), whether you will buy the displays or rent them and the type of promotional giveaways to hand out to prospective customers. Here are some aspects you should consider if you are a first time trade show exhibitor
Research the trade show's history
It is vital that you advertise your product at a trade show that attracts a big crowd. Check if the past attendance of that show has been good and whether vendors who participated in the show in the past have had positive results. Another important thing to determine is whether the show is being held in a location that can easily be reached by car or public transportation. This will give you an idea about how many visitors you can expect.
Select the appealing and professional displays
To advertise your product effectively, you do not need a flashy booth or lavish graphics. The displays, whether they are pop-up or fabric displays, should be able to present your product in an appealing way. Use high quality printers to make professional and attractive graphics. Use appropriate colors and bold signage to make the displays stand out without an over-the-top approach.
Keep sufficient promotional literature at hand
Distribute brochures and handouts discussing your product, company or service to visitors. The promotional literature should get the message across effectively. Prepare the literature in advance and take enough printouts to hand out to trade show attendees.
Promotional giveaways
The objective of promotional giveaways is to enhance brand visibility. Giving away key chains, USB drives or a relevant product is a good form of indirect marketing. A giveaway such as a paperweight or keychain, used by prospective customers in their everyday lives serves as a reminder about your company or product.
Train booth staff
You booth staff should also be trained well to deal with trade show visitors. They should be courteous to visitors and knowledgeable about the product you are advertising to be able to explain it properly to attendees approaching the booth. They should not wait to be approached but try to engage visitors in a discussion about your product. Staff should also be directed not to speak ill of competitor companies/products to visitors.
Pre-show promotions
Promoting your participation at an upcoming trade show to your target audience can ensure that at least some of them will turn up to check out your booth. Send an email to your existing customers as well as prospects, announce your trade show participation on your website too.
First time exhibitors will also do well to attend a few trade shows to get an idea of the latest display trends such as tension fabric displays or customized modular displays. Take down notes and see whether you can incorporate interesting features at your upcoming trade show.
