how to hold a successfully trade show

If used correctly, trade shows can be a great tool to market a product or service to potential customers. Because they are an investment of both time and money, it is important to do it right. From the beginning stages of planning to the time you take down your booth, it is important to have an effective strategy in place to ensure that your trade show is as successful as possible. So here are some tips on how to hold a successfully trade show.

Frontage on Main Street
The first key is to acquire frontage on Main Street. When contracting with the show management’s sales department, attempt to rent your square footage left to right along the aisle. Depth is far less important as compared to width. The number of steps the buyer must take to walk past your exhibit is important. The more steps the buyer must take to walk by, the wider the exhibit, the more time and opportunity for the buyer to be attracted to your products.

Let people see your company logo
Your company name and booth location usually won’t automatically be printed in the directory. You usually have to fill out a form to be listed. Additionally, most shows will provide a certain amount of invitations with your logo on them for you to send to some of your customers, and they will usually provide five badges for every one hundred square feet of space that you rent.

Establish Rapport
From the beginning of the trade show until its end, you must never be proactive. Never ever show the individuals who will visit your booth that you lack energy and that you are dissociated from the event. Show them how interested you are in explaining to them what your company can provide. For instance, instead of just staring blankly at one corner of your booth, be enthusiastic in engaging with your visitors by welcoming them to your booth. This gives them a good impression about your company and your brand.

If space will allow, erect a stand-alone presentation board. On the board, you can show how clients can benefit by using your services. Be creative and make it stand out. Include pictures, if possible, and be sure your company name and logo are more than obvious.