Are you considering participating in a trade show, home show or business showcase this year? If so, here are a few tips which will help you make the most of your investment!
Start with Measurable Objectives
Before you reserve your space, and write the check be sure you know what you want to accomplish. Have specific objectives in mind, and measure the results! For example:
- Number of people who came to booth
- Number of leads
- Sales within a specific period of time after the event
- Investment per lead
Pick the Right Show and the Right Location at the show
As you compare trade show opportunities consider ask organizers about total attendance, attendee demographics and exhibitor turnover.
If it is the right show, be sure to carefully select your space. Avoid columns, stairs, obstacles or locations too close to the food station. If you have strategic partners, who typically refer business to you, consider getting booth spaces side by side to it is easy to pass prospects back and forth.
Cut through the Clutter
As you design you booth – think simple! Your graphics should be large and eye catching. Like a billboard, people passing by should be able to grasp the key message, even if they don’t stop. Want to give more detail? Put it in a handout.
Use Social Media
Let people know you are at the show! Use Facebook fan pages and Twitter updates to help clients, prospects and friends find you. Make special limited offers during the show which you broadcast on twitter. Be sure to ask event organizers if they have created a hashtag (#) for the event.
After the Show!
This is the most important part of your trade show planning. Before you walk out the door to attend the show, be sure you have a plan in place to follow up when you come home!
Have your follow-up packets ready before the show. Then all you have to do afterward is paste a label and postage and get them in the mail. While your competitors are still trying to figure out what to send, your prospects are already reviewing your information!
Need help with your trade show strategy or booth design? Contact Roundpeg today!