The value of a trade show and attending one well is not to be downplayed. It can be your key to making connections that last years from now. You might be winning over a customer with an impassioned conversation. Or shaking hands with another business owner toward a lucrative cooperation.
But you need to get some attention for all of that to happen.
So here’s how you ensure all eyes are on you at your next trade show.
Choose the best placement you can
Location, location, location. It matters in just about anything. Trade shows are no different. If you really want to get something out of your next trade show, then be prepared to spend some money on getting a better location. You want to avoid getting placed too far away from the entrance, for one. Finding some of the other bigger names and getting space near them is a good idea, as well.
Be professional and approachable
Approachability is everything in business. People need to feel like they can just come up to you for a chat. So you have to ensure that you have your most charismatic salespeople up front with you. You might also want to consider how to appear more friendly to attendees. For example, take the time to get to know your neighbours. Be on good terms with them and have friendly chats. This provides the example that attendees will follow.
Stand out
At the same time as you’re getting friendly with your neighbours, you want to blow them out of the water aesthetically. Make sure that your branding stands out, using media walls from providers like Event Display. Spending a bit of money on the aesthetics isn’t just to dazzle attendees. It’s to show your professionalism. There’s little that looks less professional than a plain, undecorated booth.
Offer more than a chat
If you can offer more than a personable chat and some bright marketing materials, then do it. People come to these events with goodie bags they’re just waiting to fill with promotional materials. You want the kind of things you can put your branding on that they’ll use for weeks to come. Mugs, USBs and the like. If you have food and drink to offer, a lot of people will stop by just to grab some, too.
Tap into the digital world
At these events, there will be a lot of people checking their phones. They might be reporting on booths or just looking for the best places to go. While their attention is in the digital world, that’s where you should be as well. Market your presence online as well as in the physical world. You might catch a lot of attention from people who might not think to venture near your area otherwise.
Getting ignored is even worse than getting rejected. Make sure you’re not part of the sidelines at your next tradeshow. Prepare in advance, making sure you have the placement, appearance, and giveaways that will make you unmissable.