While they may look simple, trade show exhibits are a lot more difficult to put together than you might think. It’s easy to make simple mistakes. Luckily for you, we have a few hints and tips that will help you avoid common problems so you can be sure your exhibit looks polished and professional.
Strategic Planning for Your Exhibit
-Avoid confusing exhibiting and marketing. The two are completely different, even though they work hand in hand. You should have a clear plan for your specific exhibit, with certain goals. This strategy should be specifically for your exhibit and should not be your overall marketing plan.
-Avoid getting into a rut. Your company may have attended the same trade show for years, but that doesn’t mean you have to this year. Take a good look at how well that particular trade show has worked for you in the past. Did it generate leads? Were individuals open to attending your booth and accepting promotional items? If it isn’t working, find somewhere else to set up your exhibit this year.
-Spread the word with the help of advertising and promo items. A few lanyards with your company’s logo and the time and date of the trade show can do wonders to increase attendance and ensure they are excited about coming to see you.
Mistakes to Avoid With Your Exhibit Design
-Everything thing these days seems to be super-sized, but that doesn’t mean your exhibit should be. Bigger isn’t always better, especially if you are new to the trade show game. Start out with a smaller exhibit (although not so small your exhibit is lost in a sea of larger ones) and get a feel for each trade show you attend. You can then tailor your exhibit to fit each trade show and attract the attention of potential customers you meet. It may take some trial and error, but the effort is definitely worth it.
-Watch your displays and graphics. Remember that a potential client will only spend an average of three or four seconds looking at your exhibit before they decide whether to walk away or learn more. Your graphics and displays need to be eye-catching and straightforward to draw the clients in, not distracting, cluttered or messy.
-Keep your area as clean as possible. It’s easy for dust to accumulate on your displays and exhibit. Keep it at bay by dusting each morning and sweeping your area. This will ensure your clients don’t sneeze every time they pick up on your lanyards or promotional pens and give your booth a dignified and professional look throughout the show.
Staffing Mistakes to Avoid
-Don’t wing it when it comes to staffing. Train the individuals who will monitoring and caring for your booth and make sure they know what they need to know to answer any questions a potential client might have. Rehearse with them so they are fully prepared.
-Don’t be shy. Get outside the booth (as long as you have someone staying near it) and go introduce yourself to potential clients. Be friendly, honest, and outgoing and you are sure to capture their attention. You can even introduce yourself to your competitors. As long as you are upfront and honest about who you are, your competition will generally have no problem talking business and being friendly.
Want to be a big hit at your next trade show? Make sure you have the right promotional products from Trendee, set up your exhibits correctly, and have the right staff working with you to ensure a polished and professional appearance that will be a fantastic success.
About Julia Jones
Julia is the Online Content Manager of Trendee - NZ's leading supplier of branded promotional merchandise and corporate clothing. Connect with Julia on Google+