So you’re going to have a booth at a trade show. How exciting – or how terrifying – depending on your state of mind!
First of all – remain calm – you’re not the first person to do this. There’s some easy to follow tips that will ensure success at the show, and give you follow up business too.
Preparation ahead of time is important. Gather all the supplies you’ll need. Brochures, business cards, product samples, entry forms for a draw, professional signs and any audio visual equipment you’ll need. Be sure to ask for electricity from show organizers well in advance if you will need it. Also, do not let any piece of marketing literature leave your booth without contact information on it – people MUST know how to get in touch with you after the show.
Make your booth look GREAT! It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money – ask a friend whose got a sense of style to help you create something that is eye catching but doesn’t cost too much. Don’t over crowd your display area because people get overwhelmed and pass by; but on the other hand, don’t have so little that people think there’s nothing to see. Make sure your sign is professionally printed and hung straight!
Once you’ve set up your booth, stand back about 20 feet and objectively take a look at it. Is it welcoming? Is your sign easy to read? Can people tell what you do BEFORE they get to your booth? These are critical issues that you need to answer before the show.
At the show be friendly – wear a name tag and smile. When people come by your booth, you’ve a VERY short period of time to catch their attention. This is the time you need to have something to say. Create a 15