Tag: Trade Show Tips

Top 5 Reasons to Avoid Exhibiting at Trade Shows

Sure, trade shows are a great way to showcase your products and services to a wide audience; but, have you ever stopped to consider if trade shows are a good fit for your business?

Considering the money and time that goes into this kind of investment, it’s worth going over a few things before you decide on exhibiting at a trade show.

So, should I exhibit at a trade show?

Here are our top 5 reasons you should avoid exhibiting at a given trade show:

1. Audience Mismatch

Not every trade show is going to be filled with your target audience. For example, if your target audience is high-tech millennials, then old-school industry trade shows are generally not going to have the right attendees. Or, if you are only looking to franchise, then going to a non-franchise focused trade show is probably not going to yield the leads you desire.

2. COMPETITION COPYCAT

If you see your competition constantly going to a trade show, that does not necessarily mean trade shows are right for you (even if your business is slightly different). Before you invest thousands, do your research, look up the history of the trade show and its typical attendees, as well as how many leads or business deals can be expected. Think smarter than your competition.

3. Time Conflict

If the timing of a given trade show is in conflict with customer meetings, a pre-scheduled business function, or, even another trade show that’s more compatible with your line of business, you might be better off skipping that trade show.

4. Cost

If you are a startup or a small business with little budget for a trade show, maybe, wait a few years before you attend a trade show. Once you have the budget allocated, then foray into the trade show waters.

5. Lack of Preparation

Many times, businesses sign up for trade shows at the 11th hour. A lot goes into coordinating the booth, trade show displays, chairs, tables, marketing material, etc., which is why you do not want to rush it. If the show is in 2-weeks and you sign up today, you are going to be incredibly stressed.

We aren’t saying you should never exhibit at a trade show. Trade shows can offer value to every business, in every industry. But, if you feel like you are not ready, don’t rush it! Throwing money at the wall is often not a wise idea. Take your time, do your homework, and you’ll know when the time is right.

… and, when you are ready to exhibit at trade shows, use ExhibitDay to plan your trade shows and collaborate with your event team to get things done.

Maximizing Trade Show Value: How to Get the Most Bang for Your Buck

If you’ve decided to invest money into your very own booth at an upcoming trade show, chances are, you’re wondering how you can maximize the value of this event. Trade shows aren’t exactly cheap, which is why you’re probably feeling pressure to meet as many existing customers, find as many new leads, and meet as many business objectives.

Well, luckily, there is plenty of prep work you can embark on now to guarantee maximum value if you’re doing a trade show on a budget.

Here’s how:

1. Send Out Emails

There’s no harm in drumming up a little excitement! Send out an email to all customers within the proximity of the event, letting them know about your booth. Try and secure them complimentary tickets if available through the organizer. Many times, the event organizers will help you any way possible to make your event a success.

2. Schedule Appointments

Make it known on social media and through other channels that you are accepting appointments during the trade show. Contact your top accounts and promise them an exclusive demonstration of your product or service at the event. Everyone likes to feel special.

3. Host VIP Events

Consider hosting a happy hour or some kind of cocktail meeting after the exhibit hours to show some of your key customers how special they really are to you.

4. Go the Extra Mile

Did you know many of the convention centers have conference rooms where you can further explain and demonstrate products to potential clients? This is a great way to go above and beyond, really taking time to go deep with your product for the right potential buyer.

5. Say Yes to Extra Marketing

Event organizers want to find ways to drum up excitement for their event as well. Volunteer to take part in any workshops, discussions, and seminars that take place before, during, and after the exhibit hall hours. This is a free way to get exposure through their network.

6. Extend Your Stay

If you think you have made some invaluable connections for the future trajectory of your business, then do not hesitate to extend your stay and really nurture the lead. It will show them you are a serious contender and determined to make it work. Additionally, if a potential client reaches out to you before the trade show, consider arriving a few days early to close the deal before the show even begins!

Every business could stand to cut down on unnecessary costs in a given fiscal year, which is why the 6 tips above can help maximize the value of your next trade show.

The Top 6 Ways to Exhibit Efficiently at Your Next Trade Show

Everyone knows a trade show requires a lot of time, resources, and investment to make it effective. That’s why planning for your next trade show can seem overwhelming and frustrating at times, especially if you are a new business or a startup. However, with the right preparation, you can maximize your return by carefully planning for each required resource in advance. Not to mention, you can get your brand loyalists involved in a way that is beneficial to your company for years down the line.

So, how does one master trade shows? Here are our top 6 ways to exhibit efficiently and effectively:

1. Purchase and Donate

You’re going to need furniture, flooring, and other resources to pull off a trade show booth. Check with local companies, like Home Depot or Ikea, and see if they have any kind of items that you can use at your trade shows. Some places will even let you rent them for much lower than buying the items.

If you do buy the items, try donating them afterward to a Goodwill-ideally an organization that will come and pick-up the pieces for you.

2. You Scratch My Back, …

Many vendors, like LCD manufacturers, will bring their product samples to the exhibit hall. Contact them ahead of time and offer them to demo your product or service on their LCD if they were to bring an extra LCD for your booth. This way they would get additional exposure while you would save the cost for an LCD at your booth.

3. Local Help

There’s no need to fly employees across the country when you already have a remote workforce within driving distance of the trade show. Have local partners come in and work through the exhibition so you can save thousands on flights, hotel, and other costs.

4. Brand Ambassadors

Every company has those loyal customers that would do anything for the business. Have your loyal clients come in and provide raving testimonials that really elevate your booth presence. Offer them an incentive in return, like a free product or service. These same people can market your upcoming trade show on their social media to drum up excitement.

5. Do Everything Early

This holds true with everything from booking the booth and everything associated with your event, to setting up the booth. Set up your trade show booth as soon as you possibly can. Many times, setting up one day early can free up your time the day before the conference so that you can spend time and potentially early viewing of your products for your large customers and get a head start before the official start day. Remember you are not the only one that is competing for their attention while they are at the event.

6. Schedule in Advance

Some of the most valuable trade show magic can happen 4 to 6 weeks in advance of the actual trade show. Make yourself highly available to interact with your existing customers over the phone, through video conferencing, or even via flying to the show a few days early to secure a deal.

There are a lot of different components that go into an effective trade show, which is why we want you to be prepared to really maximize your value the next time around. Follow our tips above to ensure you are stocked up and ready to go ahead of time.

How to Exhibit at a Trade Show on a Low Budget

For many small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurial ventures, sometimes, a massive trade show just isn’t in the budget. If you’re just trying to break into a market, you may not have extra funds to spend on booth furniture, services and materials that are essential to trade shows. Many new businesses don’t even witness a profit within the first few years of operation – it’s totally normal.

Still, you need to get your business out there – people need to know you exist. If you are looking for prospects, partners then trade shows are an excellent way to get everyone in one room, learn more about you and your offerings.

Here are a few ways to exhibit at trade shows on a budget:

Startup Pavilions

Although not every trade show hosts a startup pavilion, definitely check to see if one is available before you pay full price for a regular booth. These pavilions are reserved for the newcomers that generally need a money break.

Small Spaces

You don’t need a massive booth to make a lasting impression. In this case, quality trumps quantity, which is why you want to book the smallest space possible while the discount window is still open for either the startup pavilion or the early sign-up period.

Say No to Electricity

You can get creative; electricity isn’t really necessary for a good startup booth. But, if you feel it’s dire, be sure to reserve your setup during the initial discount period.

Lead retrievals

Lead Retrieval systems are very costly. Consider collecting leads on a form that your prospects would complete. Give them incentives to fill it out by offering them a chance to win your product or subscription to your service in a drawing. Alternatively, you can collect business cards or use your laptop to record your leads.

Portable Display Vehicles

Budget trade shows can be a do-it-yourself kind of adventure, especially if you invest in a portable display vehicle that enables you to carry your entire display to the show all by yourself. These carrying cases can also double as the booth counter, and the back wall fits inside the case. The entire thing comes with wheels for ease of transportation so you don’t have to hire anyone else to help carry it.

Trade Show Accessories

For all extra seating, trash cans, flooring, and so forth, be sure to check big box stores for major savings. You could purchase flooring, chairs and other accessories from a local vendor such as Walmart, Home Depot or Ikea and save yourself shipping and rental charges.

Shipping and Handling

When it comes time to have your trade show material and booth shipped, elect to have your items shipped via shipping carriers, such as FedEx, that hold the packages at the destination for you to retrieve. Although less convenient, you will save money by handling the shipment by yourself and bringing your booth furniture on your own.

Plan Ahead of Time

Flights, train tickets, and other kinds of transportation are significantly cheaper if you book them ahead of time. Tuesdays at around midnight is typically the cheapest time to book a flight. And, the cheapest days to fly are Tuesday and Wednesday (you’ll save an average of $73 per ticket). Additionally, opt for an Airbnb over a hotel. Many decent Airbnb’s are only $50-70 per night.

Many small businesses, startups, and entrepreneurial ventures start out at trade shows with a low budget. Nothing to fear – just follow the tips above for saving the most amount of money when it’s time to exhibit at your next trade show.

The Do’s and Don’ts Following a Trade Show

Once you’ve done all the hard work, set up a trade show booth, showcased your products and services to exhibit hall attendees and potential customers, and packed up for the day, there are a few after-the-show do’s and don’ts you should definitely consider.

We are going to share our top do’s that’ll help yield more sales, as well as the top don’ts, that could lose you the valuable leads you worked so hard for.

After-the-Show Do’s

1) Follow Up Email

Attending a conference or a trade show is usually an all-day event and it can get exhausting. The attendees absorb a lot of information and make many new connections; which is why they might not necessarily remember you or have your business card in their wallets when they get home. It’s up to you to send out a follow-up email that reminds them of their conversation with you. We recommend sending the follow-up email on the evening of the day of the show.

2) Virtual Connections

There’s nothing wrong with sending out a LinkedIn request or liking a Facebook page. It’s a great way to strengthen the lead without being overly obnoxious. Once you interact modestly online, follow up with a phone call to gauge their interest.

3) Measure Results

In order to assess and improve your trade show strategy, you need to be measuring the total cost, number of leads in relation to the cost, and the number of sales secured per trade show. Once you compile this data, you can determine which shows yield better returns on your investment.

4) Review and Adjust

What worked and what didn’t work that day? Think about everything from the set up until the booth dismantle and make sure to note what you can do better next time.

After-the-Show Don’ts

1) Be Annoying

No one wants to receive 4 emails per day following a trade show. One email is enough, and if you are afraid it went to spam, then sending a LinkedIn message as well is fair. Otherwise, let these people come to you. Don’t be annoying!

2) Forget Promises

If you promised an investor a whitepaper or a potential customer an answer to a technical question about your product, make sure you follow through with those promises.

3) Forget Prizes

If you had prizes or giveaways that day, do not forget to reward the winners and showcase it on your social media. You don’t want to look dishonest or cheap to your potential customers.

4) Forget Names

It’s really great etiquette to send a thank you note or some kind of indication that you appreciated everyone who showed up. It shows you are willing to go the extra mile. Also, do NOT forget names — generic emails don’t feel personal and will most likely not get read or end up in the trash.

Trade shows come with their own unique sets of etiquette and procedures, no doubt. If this is your first trade show, fear not — our list above is a good guideline to follow.