Tips for Preparing for a Trade Show
Managing trade shows often takes companies off guard, usually because they think they’ve mastered it through the years of experience or simply because the preparation inspires laziness. Regardless, it is not uncommon to come across a trade show coordinator who is unprepared or has a plan that is similar to what they implemented at the previous fair.
In this read, we are going to provide tips that can be adapted to any business model, paving the way for success in the next trade show. Keep in mind that these events are tedious for most people, and you may end up wasting opportunities if you do not have robust trade show management.
(i) Study the Event in Advance
Know who your competitors are, the companies that plan to attend, and whether you can team up with them rather than wasting time looking at what they do.
(ii) Find an Ideal Spot
Your booth’s location is crucial for visibility during the event. If you have the chance to pick it, do so as soon as possible as the best spots are not available for long.
(iii) Train Your Team
Your team members representing your business both at the venue and booth should be well-prepared, know how to talk without referring to an unoriginal template, and have vast experience in closing deals.
(iv) Create a Both that is Appealing
Visitors are always on the search for new stimuli and image is everything when it comes to trade fairs. If you need some inspiration or advice on how to go about the design, do not hesitate to reach out.
(v) Defined Objectives
What are you looking to get out of the show? Generate leads, study the competition or make sales? To avoid getting lost, it is important to have defined goals for the fair.
(Vi) Do Some Marketing Beforehand
Consider implementing a social network strategy to publicize the show and your appearance so that everyone in your network knows how to find you.
(vii) Act, Do Not React
How many people in your contacts have you met in person? Trade shows provide the best opportunity to add a personal flair to potential relationships.
(Viii) Do Not Wait for the Initial Day
Trade shows tend to start long before the doors are open to the masses. So, consider filling up your schedule in advance and get ready for meetings between 4 and 6 weeks before the show. This will create a positive image from the onset and fuel demand in the process.
(IX) Make Your Own Activities
Do not wait for the show organizers to do everything for you. Get ready for a show of your own or an activity that necessitates participation and allows attendants to know what you’re doing without blowing your own horn too much.
(X) Participate
Avoid staying in your both for the entire fair. Consider going as an audience member and networking with the attendees or joining a panel, talk, or seminar where you can participate as a speaker.
(XI) Be Kind
Ensure that you treat every individual who approaches the same. As with networking, you never really know where a valuable relationship may come from.
(XII) Listen to Others & Practice Your Pitch
This might seem trivial, but many companies don’t do it despite how helpful it can be.
(XIII) Ask Questions
If you show interest in potential partners or clients, they are bound to be interested in what you have to offer.
(XIV) Make a Private Space
Treat new contacts and clients as they deserve to be treated by making them feel special. Create a private space where they can take a few minutes in the midst of the chaos.
(XV) Avoid Giving Everything at Once
Once you get the interest of a new client or partner, schedule an appointment that will allow you to nurture the relationship after the trade show.
(XVI) Give Out Gifts When Necessary
This will allow you to differentiate between visitors who are on the search for freebies and people who are genuinely interested in your business. You can buy affordable gifts or fun props from Premierglow and share to your customers. Also, promotions might be a way to attract people, but only give discounts and special offers to those who have a genuine interest.
