When your company is still in the start-up phase, preparing for small business trade show events can be frustrating and overwhelming. How do we present our display and what do we take to offer potential customers? These are just some of the concerns business owners have as they prepare for that big day. To drive more traffic to your booth at the trade show event you need only follow a few simple techniques.
First of all, you need to gather all the information you can concerning the specifics of the trade show event you are considering attending before you register. It will save you time and aggravation if you call the promoters of the event and get as much information as possible concerning the statistics of the visitors expected to be in attendance.
Then ask about the layout of the event and what type of space you will have to present your offering to the attendees. The size of your display will allow you to determine the appropriate items to bring the day of the trade show event. Things that can help you determine how to present your business range from accessibility to electrical outlets, size of the table, and whether or not you will have wall space behind your table to hang company banners.
Tips For Successful Small Business Trade Show Events
Once the details about your display are established, now you can begin to focus on who will attend the trade show event on behalf of your company. The person speaking with attendees will be the face of your business, so choose accordingly. Here are some more helpful tips for getting you ready to showcase your small business at a trade show event.
1. Make Your Display Area Stand Out
Remember there will be dozens if not hundreds of other similar companies at the trade show event trying to grab the attention of those in attendance. If your booth does not have a tablecloth supplied by the promoters, bring one that matches your company color scheme so you can tie your whole presentation together more professionally.
2. Use of a Presentation Board
Depending if there is adequate space in your display area, a stand-alone presentation board is the key to grabbing the attention of a visitor long before they reach your table. Highlight the benefits of your products or services, trying to include as many pictures as possible. Include your company name and logo to help brand your message.
3. Arrange Your Display Artfully
In order to get the most out of the space afforded to you at the trade show event, it is important to display in levels. Place all the larger and taller items in the rear, with the shorter and smaller items in front. This will allow the visitors to see each item easily.
4. Draw Attention With Slide Shows And Videos
Create a slide show or video presentation that you can loop during the day at the event. These TV monitors will spread your message even while you are helping other guests with questions and concerns. Racks or stands to hold the TV will provide an element of professionalism that your guests will definitely pick up on.
5. Harness The Power Of Social Media
By now you already understand how powerful social media is, so why not use it to spread the word about you attending this local trade show event? Offer your followers to come out and meet you face to face, or offer special discounts or free gifts to anyone coming to your booth mentioning they saw your message on Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
6. Utilize Giveaways
The one thing you must do at this event is give your guests something that will remind them of you long after the trade show is over. A business card will often get lost in a pile of other cards, so choose a promotional giveaway that has your business information printed on it that will leave a lasting impression. Pens, magnets, brochures, and jar openers, are inexpensive and long-lasting. Consider a calendar with your business name for exposure that lasts a full year.
7. Everyone Loves Free Food
Food is something that will draw a visitor to your table more easily. If possible, repackage the food item in a unique way so you can add your business information to the packaging so they remember who they got this special treat from.
8. Conduct A Prize Drawing
Choose a prize that is relative to your niche or service, then promote it during the trade show event. Tell visitors they only need to register with a name and email address for a chance to win this amazing free gift. Regardless who wins this prize, you now have a fresh list of contacts that you can follow-up with at a later time.
9. Don’t Be Afraid To Show Off
There is only so much time that you can spend with each person at the show, so be sure you have a portfolio or representation of your work on hand. Letting visitors feel and touch your work will make it easier for them to remember your company after the show is over. Take high quality photographs, place in a binder with plastic sheets and leave open for guest to browse through on your table.
10. Have An Assistant
Most of these trade show events last many hours and several days. There is no way that you can be on your game for every minute of the show. Bring an assistant who can take over when you need occasional breaks throughout the day. That way your booth will not be empty when guests walk by.
11. Welcome All Attendees
If you do nothing else at the trade show event, take the time to be friendly to each person that walks by or stops at your booth by offering a greeting. Regardless how long you have been on your feet that day, keep smiling and take the time to show every person your best side. It is easier to strike up a conversation when you are smiling and present a professional appearance.
By following these tips your small business will be represented in the best possible light and you will not have to stress over all the details. Once you implement a few of these practices, simply have some fun!
Would you like to host a small business trade show event in Clermont FL? The Wesley Center is here to help. We have facilitated a variety of business expos in South Lake County. Give us a call to visit our event space and brainstorm ideas.
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