TRADE SHOW TIPS & TRICKS

 

It’s no secret that trade show success is directly related to how much effort you put into it. The right combination of preparation, eye-catching displays and merchandise can result in serious sales. In fact, the Center for Exhibition Industry Research has determined that 83% of show attendees have some sort of buying power and 79% say tradeshows help them decide what products to buy. [1]

Take advantage of the face to face opportunities shows provide with these ideas to help you stand out and get attention in a crowded space.
Less Is More
It may be counterintuitive to employ a “less is more” philosophy in your space, but limit your display to key products that are eye-catching to start a conversation. The last thing you want is people leaving your booth to escape the overwhelming feelings that can accompany a cluttered space.

• Use a selective assortment of colorful, innovative and new products to start conversations. If you have a favorite product be sure to include it in the display – your excitement will be contagious!
• Keep things within reach and organized in categories that make sense to you. Group products by type, or marketplace trends.

On Display
While a trade show can be a large investment of your time, energy and money, you don’t have to break the bank to create an effective display. Be creative to build a space that grabs attention and makes the most of your booth space – no matter what size.

• Look up! Vertical displays help in utilizing minimal booth space. Use vertical shelving units, risers, or even drying racks for hanging items.
• Professional looking booths and accessories always are a top priority. Here's where our experience will be invaluable.
• Small budget? Check Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace for inexpensive shelving options. Tiny budget? Just cover cardboard boxes with cloth for low-cost shelves.
• Don’t forget to leave plenty of space to interact with visitors, hand out flyers and showcase catalogs.

Take-Aways
A unique giveaway with WOW factor is going to get people talking and keep your business top-of-mind after the show is over. Items that have a story provide a built-in conversation starter and give you plenty to talk about.

• Do your research. Prior to the show make sure you understand who is attending. The demographic at the show will help determine the best giveaway item (IE: Young crowds respond well to technology).
• Ask friends/suppliers who have been exhibitors at trade shows for their experiences - good and bad. You'll be surprised what pitfalls you can avoid and what marketing ideas to use.
• Bring functional handouts that are useful and/or interactive. Take the time of year into account and be sure to merchandise for holiday and seasonal factors. Again, lean on us for suggestions and ideas.

Questions to Ask Your Suppliers

• What are the hottest products right now?
• What are some emerging trends in the industry?
• What are your best sellers?
• Do you have a list of high-margin items?
• Why have you chosen to display these awesome products?

Helpful Hints

• Be sure that a bag is being given away at tradeshow entry. If not, providing a bag as your handout could be the most useful item people receive!
• Remove the guesswork and have an approximate price displayed on products.
• Don’t forget a “goodie item” to attract people to the booth and literature they can take away.
• Use a logoed tablecloth, name badges and lanyards to be sure visitors know who you are.
• If you’re not sure where to start, find client-focused shows like Chamber of Commerce events or shows that are tailored to a specific industry.
• Don’t be afraid of color! Have bright show shirts for staff and remember light & bright when selecting your display and showcasing product.
• If you partner with a supplier, only show their items and ask if they will provide product to enhance your display and maximize your space.

Visit is at AdVantagesAdvertising.com

Here's How an Email Campaign Can Create Buzz for Your Next Trade Show

When you are preparing to exhibit at a trade show there are many different marketing efforts that should go into making it a success. One of the best ways to create buzz in front of the trade show is with a targeted email campaign. Staying in contact with attendees and alerting your customers about the trade show and related events is an excellent marketing tool. Here are 4 tips for your trade show email marketing campaign:

1. Segment your email list. Rather than sending the same email to everyone on your email list, segment your list into different categories so that you can send relevant email messages to each set of your target customers. Examples of your segments can include past attendees not yet registered for this upcoming show, attendees already registered, target customers who have not attended a recent show, target customers who have never attended a trade show. This will allow you to customise your emails to each group and speak to each one in a targeted fashion. You will receive better results and have happier email list subscribers. Targeted and relevant information makes your subscribers feel important.
2. Offer Exclusive Sales or Specials. Email subscriptions are a give and take. Many people expect something in return for letting your company into their inbox. Make that happen with exclusive offers and be sure to let them know that these are better deals that non-email subscribers get. If you can’t change pricing or offers, perhaps allow them early access, sneak peaks, or special promotional product gifts. i.e. “Mention this Email for an Special Gift”
   
3. Include Important Information. Your emails regarding the trade show shouldn’t only be about your company. Sales only focused emails are less effective than a more social and informative approach. Include other trade show details in your emails that will help improve their entire experience. They will remember you and thank you for it, perhaps even sharing some of your information on social channels. Examples include trade show registration information, schedules, local city information, hotel details, or the best places to eat or visit in the city you are traveling to for the trade show.
   
4. Follow Up. During your trade show, maintain your list and add to it. Then you can further segment your list for a series of follow up emails. Thank attendees who came and made a purchase and offer related products. Follow up with visitors who didn’t make a purchase (yet). Email those who didn’t make it to the show and offer them a different deal.

Originally Posted by GoPromotional on October 31st, 2015

It's SHOWTIME! Trade Show Contest and Games Make Your Booth a “Winner"

The name of the “game” at trade shows is to attract visitors and potential buyers to your booth. Contests and games can really do the trick and attract interested trade show attendees to come over to your booth. Once there for contests or games where they can win a prize, you have the chance to win them over too.

Make sure that your quick elevator pitch is polished and ready to go. Also, if the display and support materials in your booth are descriptive enough, the potential buyers can learn about your company, what you do, and what you are selling just by standing there and looking around.

Here are some trade show booth contest and game ideas:

• Prize Wheel: These can be big and colourful; some are even glitzy or have lights to attract even more attention. They spin the wheel and see where it lands. Make sure that you connect your company’s contact information, business card, or maybe a promotional pen.
  
  You can customize the prizes and some ideas for giveaways are:
  
  
• Promotional Merchandise: You can have different levels of prizes, for example, a lower level prize could be a promotional mug, while a higher end promotional gift prize could be clothing, or electronics accessories.
  
• Free consultation for your services: Giveaway a 15 minute, 30 minute, or 1 hour consultation of your services.
  
• Free Products or Services: If you have something to giveaway and then that is a great way to stir up buzz about your products.
  
• Percentage off Their Order: Encourage them to purchase by offering a discount. It can be a dollar amount off or a percentage off.
  
• Free lunch at the trade show: Who doesn’t love a free lunch?
  
• Snacks or Drinks: Candy, granola bars, colas, or water bottles make easy giveaways that are appreciated.
  
• Local Business Gift Certificates: Hit up a few businesses that are local to your trade show and see if they would be willing to offer a gift certificate in exchange for the exposure they will get being featured as a prize on your prize wheel. You could also organise gift certificates with other trade show exhibitors that do not have competing products.
  
• Fish Bowl Drawing: This is a great way to collect business cards of attendees; and it is also an easy way to hold a contest. They will gladly give you their contact information for a chance to win a great prize.
  
• Trivia Games: To attract more attention and create buzz, you can hold trivia contests daily where attendees can win prizes based on their knowledge of your products or your industry.
  
• Interactive Games or Applications: If you are in a tech industry or tech savvy, having tablets with a game or interactive application on it can be a big draw and also get people talking about your booth.
  
  
  Don't choose just anything for your the event you want to be remembered by! We've been around since 1979 and will take the time to find the perfect product for your next event and save you money while doing it.