Tips For a Successful Trade Show

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Well, autumn is upon us and with the onset of this season comes cleaner airand ...
outdoor scenery and, it is also prime season for trade ... trade shows happen all ...
the year b Well, autumn is upon us and with the onset of this season comes cleaner airand colourful outdoor scenery and, it is also prime season for trade shows.Sure, trade shows happen all throughout the year but, with many areasrecognizing small business month/week, there is a greater opportunity forentrepreneurs to showcase their products or services to their targetmarkets.As small business owners, especially those in the start up phase, preparingfor a trade show can be a very scary and frustrating time. What do we takeand how do we present it?You first need to find out the specifics of the trade show you areregistered for or considering exhibiting in.
If necessary, contact theorganizers of the event and get details on the type of visitors that theshow attracts and the layout of the area you will have to display yourbusiness. Be sure to find out the size of the table you will have, whetherthere is wall space for your company sign, if there are electrical outletsavailable, and anything else that may or may not be included (ie.
tablecloth, etc.)Once the show space specifics have been established, then you can move on tothinking about and deciding what and how you can ‘show your stuff’. Thefollowing are just a few ideas to help you get ready for that all importanttrade show.
(Note: most of these ideas are based on being in the serviceindustry but will work for products industry companies as well)* If the table you have does not include a tablecloth, be sure to get onethat compliments your display and represents your company’s image and colourscheme (without being overpowering). Even if a tablecloth is supplied, bringyour own or something to add some depth to your table (ie.
table runner).Your table will definitely stand out in a crowd.* If space will allow, erect a stand-alone presentation board. On the board,you can show how clients can benefit by using your services.
Be creative andmake it stand out. Include pictures, if possible, and be sure your companyname and logo are more than obvious.* If there is wall space, but your budget is minimal, use your trustydesktop publishing software to create a template of your company name.
Usethe template, along with bristle board, cardboard, or foam core to make asign that you can put up on the wall behind your booth.* Arrange your table in levels. Put the larger items at the rear, shorteritems in front of those, and even shorter items in front of those.* Develop a PowerPoint presentation to display on your table (if anelectrical outlet is within reach of your booth).
You can make it on yourdesktop computer and transfer it to a laptop, which you can rent or borrowif you don’t already have one. Your visitors will find this visuallyappealing and will draw in their attention.* Have a portfolio of your work available.
Print off some of your bestprojects, put them into plastic sheet protectors, and arrange them in abinder. Then lay out the binder where visitors can flip through the pages.* Have plenty of giveaways, such as business cards, brochures, pens,magnets, and anything else that has your company name and/or logo on it.Most people who attend trade shows are expecting to take home some goodies.And, be sure to use display racks for showing your flyers, specials,brochures, and such.* Offer something a little different… FOOD.
I displayed at the Bridges toBetter Business trade show in Brampton and included a basket of Girl Guidecookies on my table. They were a big hit… I wish I had brought more.
If youcan, package your food in a way that will allow you to have your companycontact info on it.* Offer Gift Certificates for some of your services. There’s nothing betterthan getting a deal and, when they ‘cash in’ their certificate, they willsee how valuable your services are and will come back for more.* Have a draw for a prize.
Offer a prize that, in some way, compliments yourbusiness if possible, and appeals to anyone. Have visitors and entrants signa guestbook, fill in a ticket, or drop their business cards into a fish bowlor gift bag.
You can then use this information at a later date to make afollow up contact.* If the show will be on for an extended length of time, be sure to haveassistance in manning your booth so you can take a break. If you don’t havethe option of having someone take over for a bit, be sure to put up a notethat tells people how long you will be gone or when you will be back.Most importantly, be friendly and inviting.
Say hi to those that turn andlook toward you or your booth. Strike up a conversation and be sure to havea short introductory speech ready.
And…have fun! Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com .