Trade shows offer the opportunity to get the word out about your business and connect with prospective customers. While timelines for re-opening and hosting live events are shifting across the country, it’s important to be ready to take advantage of the boost trade shows can offer.
Because trade shows are a significant investment, you want to see results to make the effort worthwhile. Part of what makes an exhibitor successful is their ability to stand out from the crowd and make a great impression on attendees. This means creating powerful marketing materials to deploy before, during, and after the show.
Follow these five tips to make the most of your business’s next trade show.
1. Get Ready!
Advance preparation is one of the key things that can make or break a trade show exhibitor’s success. Take the time to think through all of the details, from how you’ll promote your booth to getting your materials in order.
Use the trade show’s focus and target audience to inform what you’ll feature at your booth. Determine which products or services are most relevant to showcase and build your marketing messages off of those.
2. Stand Out!
Once the trade show starts, competition will be stiff. You’ll want your booth to stand out. Don't get lost in a sea of your competitors.
Make your booth eye-catching by utilizing a creative combination of graphics and signage. Retractable banners, backdrops, signs and table displays are a must, but consider adding some more unique elements like floor graphics, branded tablecloths and kiosks to catch attention from all angles.
3. Integrate an experience!
Demonstrating top products and services is another great way to get people to stop, watch and ask questions. If attendees can interact with or try out the product themselves, use clear signage to encourage them and explain how. Set up the space for attendees to navigate easily and watch or participate in demonstrations.
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4. Make it last!
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When the trade show is over, you want your business to remain at the top of prospective clients’ minds. Help them remember you by
giving them something to take away. Branded promotional items are a fun and useful way to keep your company name front and center when attendees return to the office.
5. Follow up!
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It’s easy for trade show attendees to be overwhelmed by information and new contacts after the event is over. Make sure they remember your business by reaching out to them after
the show.
Use mailing addresses or emails from the show’s attendee list to send a follow-up via email or direct mail. Because some members of this audience
may not have interacted with your booth, make sure your messages are broader and provide a more general overview or introduction to
your brand.
Start preparing your trade show materials TODAY!
Businesses experience the most success with trade shows when they plan their materials early on — from their booth displays down to their business cards. If you have an event on the schedule, don’t delay in designing and printing collateral. Send a consistent message about your brand. Reach out to your Hoover AlphaGraphics center to get started today at
(205) 979-2373 and ask for Will or Cassie!