- What is the name of the show?
- What are the dates/times? There are typically set-up dates and show dates and it is important to have both on your calender.
- Show Location – It is important to have actual show location and warehouse delivery location if applicable.
- Show Staff – Determine who will be show captain and who you will staff for the show.
What needs to be done to prepare for your trade show?
- Before you decide on the exhibit, look for different exhibits that fit your company’s budget and needs.
- Register for your ideal exhibiting space as soon as possible.
- Plan and arrange a vendor presentation to make your company stand out and increase audience attention and participation.
- Come up with an engaging message for your booth to attract customers, but remember to keep it simple and clear.
- Make sure you order your graphics a couple of months ahead of time. It is better to get it sooner rather than later. Make sure your graphics are bold and will draw attention, but keep it simple. For example, a clever caption with a vibrant color background.
- Plan your travel. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car for your booth staff to ensure everyone will arrive ahead of time so they can set up the booth and prepare before the show begins.
- Promotional items and giveaways are always one of the best marketing tools. You can plan this within your budget and customize it to make it stand out.
- Announce your upcoming show through social media and mailing to generate more traffic at your booth. Emailing will work, but your email might to go your customer’s spam folder, so it is a good idea to also do physical mailings.
- You and your staff should bring enough business cards, so they will not run out when you are passing them out at the show.
- Bring some trade show supplies with you. You might need a post-it note pads, sharpie pens, etc. They will come in handy.
- Bring comfortable shoes as you will be standing most of the time.
- And last but not least, invest in renting a card scanner or the get a card scanning app for your smart phone.
What are the important things to do when you are at the trade show?
- Keep your eyes open, play attention to the booth area, and walk around your booth. Don’t forget to smile. A nice smile will welcome your customers.
- Have a couple of your staff walk around the aisle-side as well. It will bring in more traffic.
- You want to be proactive. Be a conversation starter and ask questions that will make your customers interested.
- Note down what your customers need and the things you and your customers talk about.
- Stay connected with social media; share your latest trade show updates and show-related hashtags.
- Ask your customers for their business cards. This way you can follow up with the sales.
- The 4 Common Types of Trade Show Booths – To maximize the appearance of your Trade Show Booth Displays.
- How to Choose The Best Booth Location – To help plan the location of your show.