Trade shows are great opportunities to get people excited about your brand, generate leads, and network with other industry professionals. Anyone who has been an exhibitor at a convention or big event will tell you that simply putting up a table and setting out a few brochures won’t cut it if you want to get people excited about your brand.
There is no question that it often takes some creativity and careful planning to have a successful show. And let’s face it, your booth is the first impression that many attendees will have of your company. Will it capture their attention or will they walk on by?
If you really want to generate buzz and turn heads, check out our recommendations for how to get noticed at a trade show.
Location, Location, Location
In real estate, it’s all about location, location, location. The same can be said for a booth’s location at a trade show.
You could have the largest booth with the latest and greatest collateral, but if it is located in a low traffic area, you will be at a disadvantage from the very start.
Securing a spot near the main entrance or in an area where people tend to congregate should result in a steady stream of visitors.
Another proven strategy is to choose a place close to a large vendor or exhibitor that you know will be popular and piggyback on their traffic.
Make Effective Use of Your Space
Using your exhibit space wisely is another key to having a successful show.
Attendees will be more inclined to walk up to a booth that has an open, inviting feel than one that appears overly crowded.
Your goal should be to strategically pack your booth full of information, resources or product in a way that isn’t overwhelming or difficult to navigate.
Create an Eye-Catching Display
A well-thought-out theme with a variety of marketing collateral will help set your company’s exhibit apart from the competition.
Strive to build a space that commands attention from across the show floor and has 360° visibility.
Pairing attractive displays with signage of varying heights/levels will create texture and interest sure to turn heads your direction.
The booth should have an overall cohesive look and feel with a few tastefully bold touches.
Branding
From your backdrop and table covers to your banner stands and the shirt you are wearing, you should make a strong effort to weave your brand throughout the entire booth.
A consistent brand with a clear message will ensure potential customers and prospective clients will not only recognize your business but remember it as well.
And while it is important to stay true to your brand guidelines, don’t be afraid to branch out a little. For example, you might use a color that contrasts with your brand or an unexpected font to highlight a particular display or product.
It’s All About the Swag
Handing out branded merchandise and free giveaways is a great way to get people to flock to your booth.
Make certain that your freebie features your logo and is something attendees will definitely use and not just throw in the trash once they get home.
Here are some ideas that you might want to consider:
- Earbuds
- Luggage covers
- Hats and t-shirts
- Tote bags
- Insulated water bottles and tumblers
- Cell phone accessories (PopSockets, phone wallets, etc)
- Webcam covers
Encourage Interaction
Having some type of interactive feature to engage attendees is one of the best ways to become the topic of conversation at the show.
Contests, raffles, headshot photo lounges, and scavenger hunts are all fun ways to captivate a crowd.
Interactive kiosks, giant touch screens, and virtual reality experiences can also be used to entice people to learn more about what your company has to offer.
How about some R&R?
Let’s face it, trade shows can be a lot of fun to attend, but they can also be exhausting.
If your space allows, consider designating a small lounge area for your booth with oversized, comfy chairs. Offering charging stations for cell phones, laptops, and tablets is a guaranteed way to get visitors to hang out in your booth for a while.
Depending on your budget, you could take it one step further and serve drinks and appetizers. And if you really want to get people talking, offer mini massages or manicures.
Make Your Brand Come to Life
The appearance of your exhibit speaks volumes about your company. Regardless of whether you are selling a product or offering a service, your booth should positively reflect your brand, culture, and the message you are trying to convey.
Hall of Fame Plaques and Signs can help your business get noticed at your next tradeshow or big event. Our complete line of fully customizable trade show products can be mixed and matched to keep your brand top of mind long after the show.
