If Forrest Gump had ever been to a trade show, he might say something along the lines of, “Vendor booths are like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’re gonna get.”
The truth is, quality of displays, swag, and even the reps can vary drastically. And while there are usually a few stand-out vendors, more common is a sea of booths, swag, and displays that all look—well, nearly identical.
The good news? You can capitalize on this sameness with a few insider secrets to stand out. What most people don’t realize is that the key to success isn’t in your booth or promotional items alone, but in the preparation, presentation, and small details all throughout the event.
Read tips from our experts on how you can advance your marketing, boost your business, and increase your bottom line through thoughtful trade show planning!
Pre-event prep
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”
―Benjamin Franklin
Do your research
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the most successful trade show appearances take not days, but months of planning. One of the most important things to consider is who you want to connect with at the event. Who is going to be there? Create a list of prospects you’re hoping to engage with ahead of time.
Expert tip: Create a list of prospects
you’re hoping to engage with ahead of time.
Engage with the audience early
Why wait until the day of the event to start making a great first impression? If you’re able to obtain a list of attendees who have RSVPed, send emails to these contacts prior to the event. This way, you’ll already be top of mind for them before they even step inside the venue.
Display strategy
“When you look good, you feel good. If you feel good, you will always perform your best.”
―Maria Sharapova
Invest in a professional display
One of the most fail-proof ways to make a strong impression is to find a partnering vendor who takes your vision to heart and executes flawlessly.
As we discussed in a previous blog, the idea of “pick a partner, not a vendor,” is in the DNA of our company. At Inspired Results, we listen to each client to “wow” them with remarkable service. Instead of seeing our work in terms of individual projects, we anticipate and deliver comprehensive solutions that help our clients thrive. This may not be typical for most vendors – but at Inspired Results, we like to think that this type of approach is part of a greater revolution in our industry.
A partnering vendor is crucial to your success—and can take your display from “ho-hum” to “WOW!” Plus, by investing resources in a quality display, the more likely you can use it at events in the future. Now that’s a great ROI.
Think outside the typical booth
Since you’re investing time and money into a display, why not make it unique? Working with your partnering vendor, don’t feel constrained by what you typically see at trade shows. Think of incorporating interesting lighting, eye-catching visual themes, and even interactive elements for your audience. By communicating your vision to your partnering vendor, you can make an impression that lasts long after you shake hands.
Giveaway planning
“Want to build loyalty? Remember, everyone loves free stuff.”
―Gene Marks (Entrepreneur.com)
Give away swag that stands out
While corporate mugs and pens have been at trade shows for ages, they won’t be the showstoppers to grab your audience’s attention. Brainstorm with your partnering vendor on unique promotional items, or ask about current trends in the marketplace. Lately, socially responsible products, tech items, insulated drinkware, and packaging for strategic messaging is all the rage!
Expert tip: Get people excited by
incorporating a game.
Make it interactive—and fun
What better way to lighten the mood and to get people excited than incorporating a game into your trade show strategy? Host a fun game that is relevant to your industry, and be sure to capture a list of participants so you can reach out after the event. And, of course, make sure to give out desirable, branded prizes!
The big day
“It’s showtime!”
―Roy Scheider (All That Jazz)
Demo your product
Trade shows present a great opportunity to demonstrate your value to event attendees. Instead of taking a passive approach, consider an interactive presentation that is sure to engage people at your display.
Be active on social media
Social media is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to make a lasting impact on your audience. Consider creating a hashtag for your company (or use one that already exists), and offer prizes for those who post photos by your display.
Enlist the right players
Think of the employees at your display as your brand ambassadors: they should be outgoing, knowledgeable, and able to ask engaging questions to find out if the visitor is a potential customer. By having your most dynamic employees on the front line, you can feel confident in your company’s presentation—even in moments when you aren’t by your display.
Ready to step up your trade show game? RSVP to Fuel Your Brand on May 9th!
We practice what we preach at Inspired Results. That’s why we’re putting on a free, exclusive trade show to align your business goals with the most skilled vendors in the marketplace! Gain a competitive edge by exploring new products and technology, innovative equipment and software, marketing and sales tools, and strategic partnerships.
Want to learn more? Watch our official trailer below, then RSVP at www.inspirenw.com/fuel. We’ll see you on Tuesday, May 9!
RSVP TODAY!
