http://www.tradeshowpromotions.biz

Tips for a Successful Trade Show

People who viewed this page also viewed this article

Trade Show Promotional Products Boosting Booth Traffic
I was about seven or eight years old when I learned the value of promotional items at trade shows. I just didn't know it yet. I was at a home show with my parents. As we walked through the hall it was held in, I noticed people walking around with...read more

Tips for a Successful Trade Show

Well, autumn is almost upon us and with the onset of this season comes cleaner air and colourful outdoor scenery and, it is also prime season for trade shows. Sure, trade shows happen all throughout the year but, with many areas recognizing small business month/week, there is a greater opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their products or services to their target markets.

As small business owners, especially those in the start up phase, preparing for a trade show can be a very scary and frustrating time. What do we take and how do we present it?

You first need to find out the specifics of

the trade show you are registered for or considering exhibiting in. If necessary, contact the organizers of the event and get details on the type of visitors that the show attracts and the layout of the area you will have to display your business. Be sure to find out the size of the table you will have, whether there is wall space for your company sign, if there are electrical outlets available, and anything else that may or may not be included (ie. table cloth, etc.)

Once the show space specifics have been established, then you can move on to thinking about and deciding what and how you can ‘show your stuff’. The following are just a few ideas to help you get ready for that all important trade show. (Note: most of these ideas are based on being in the service industry but will work for products industry companies as well)

If the table you have does not include a tablecloth, be sure to get one that compliments your display and represents your company’s image and colour scheme (without being overpowering). Even if a tablecloth is supplied, bring your own or something to add some depth to your table (ie. table runner). Your table will definitely stand out in a crowd.

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.

If there is wall space, but your budget is minimal, use your trusty desktop publishing software to create a template of your company name. Use the template, along with bristle board, cardboard, or foam core to make a sign that you can put up on the wall behind your booth.

Arrange your table in levels. Put the larger items at the rear, shorter items in front of

More topics

10 Things to Consider Before You Do a Trade Show
1.Find out if the trade show is focused on your target market. 2.Talk with the promoters and find out the history. How many trade shows have they done before? What was the turnout? They should be able to give you figures. Find out how they plan...read more

Trade Show Success Tip Train Your Exhibiting Staff
One of the keys to trade show success is the training of your booth staff. Each trade show requires a specific marketing message targeted to a unique prospect and an exhibiting staff that can communicate with that audience. In order to...read more

Nine Tips For Trade Show Exhibit Selection
Your company has made the important decision to make trade show exhibit appearance a part of its marketing program, and you now need to create a game plan that will help you select your appropriate trade shows. You know that exhibiting at...read more

those, and even shorter items in front of those.

Develop a PowerPoint presentation to display on your table (if an electrical outlet is within reach of your booth). You can make it on your desktop computer and transfer it to a laptop, which you can rent or borrow if you don’t already have one. Your visitors will find this visually appealing and will draw in their attention.

Have a portfolio of your work available. Print off some of your best projects, put them into plastic sheet protectors, and put them into a binder. Then lay out the binder where visitors can flip through the pages.

Have plenty of giveaways, such as business cards, brochures, pens, magnets, and anything else that has your company name and/or logo on it. Most people who attend trade shows are expecting to take home some goodies. And, be sure to use display racks for showing your flyers, specials, brochures, and such.

Offer something a little different… FOOD. I displayed at the Bridges to Better Business trade show in Brampton and included a basket of Girl Guide cookies on my table. They were a big hit… I wish I had brought more. If you can, package your food in a way that will allow you to have your company contact info on it.

Offer Gift Certificates for some of your services. There’s nothing better than getting a deal and, when they ‘cash in’ their certificate, they will see how valuable your services are and will come back for more.

Have a drawing for a prize. Offer a prize that, in some way, compliments your business if possible, and appeals to anyone. Have visitors and entrants sign a guestbook, fill in a ticket, or drop their business cards into a fish bowl or gift bag. You can then use this information at a later date to make a follow up contact.

If the show will be on for an extended length of time, be sure to have assistance in manning your booth so you can take a break. If you don’t have the option of having someone take over for a bit, be sure to put up a note that tells people how long you will be gone or when you will be back.

Most importantly, be friendly and inviting. Say hi to those that turn and look toward you or your booth. Strike up a conversation and be sure to have a short introductory speech ready. And…have fun!

There is so much more involved in being a part of a trade show and making it successful. We invite you to visit our ebooklets page to pick up our new booklet, Tips for a Successful Trade Show at http://www.docutype.net/booklets.htm

About the Author

Janice Byer (CCVA, MVA) of Docu-Type Administrative & Web Services, provides professional & creative Virtual Assistance and Website Design. For more helpful small business and marketing information, view her NEW Information Ebooklets; read her ebook, Surfin' the Net - Docu-Type's Virtual Collection of Links; sign up for her free newsletter, Virtual TidBits; and read all of her published Articles, at http://www.docutype.net

Written by: Janice D. Byer, CCVA, MVA

Craft Show Items Patents and Trademarks
These are similar to, but not exactly like a copyright. In fact, a patent and trademark are a far more in-depth than a simple copyright on your craft show items. "A patent for an invention is the grant of a property right to the inventor,...read more

Designing a better Trade Show Booth
A PopUp Display is essentially a backdrop used to give your floor space definition and focus. Because it normally covers the entire back "wall" of your space, a properly designed PopUp Display provides you the opportunity to make a bold statement...read more

Four simple ways to cut your trade show marketing budget in half
Many times when a trade show is planned for there isn’t someone who watches the budget and tracks where the money goes. But, if you do want to know where your trade show marketing dollar goes and want to do better, this article is for you. You...read more

Manufacturers Shift Marketing Budget Away from Tradeshows
In early Q3, TR Cutler, Inc. conducted the largest North American manufacturer survey about anticipated marketing budgets in 2006. Statistically significant findings indicated that nearly two-thirds (64%) of the manufacturers surveyed anticipate a...read more

copyright© 2010 Trade Show Promotions        Articles