First time exhibiting at a trade show? Or maybe it’s just the first time you are managing a team, either way, we would like to help you! The beginning to any successful event starts with a plan. This guide will help you maximize all available opportunities pre, during, and post event.
| Pre-show
1. Choosing the Right Event
All of the steps outlined below don’t matter until you choose the right event. There are thousands of them out there and if proper research isn’t done before the event, you could be wasting your time and money.
2. Choosing The Right Exhibit Space
To ensure your team is in the right spot on the showroom floor, be sure to register immediately so you have a choice of space. The exhibiting space will go fast and keep in mind that certain shows use a point system for space selections, so get on it right away.
How to choose the right exhibit space:
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Booth space near the front of the showroom is typically the best real estate but also has a higher price tag.
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Many exhibitors like corner booths because of the flow of foot traffic.
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Ask yourself: Do I want a corner space? An in-line booth? Or an island space?
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Other important aspects to think about: How much space do I need? How can I maximize my booth space to contribute to my ROI?
3. Designing an Exhibit
You have a lot of options when planning the design of your booth. Depending on your budget and exhibiting space, make sure you decide on what best fits your event’s strategy. From custom designed booths and modulars to pop-up banners and portable displays; the options are limitless, you just have to figure out what best fits you.
4. Create Goals
Before heading to your event, you and your team must develop a list of goals to achieve on the showroom floor. Here’s a list of goal ideas that you and your team can develop to best fit your event strategy.
Goal Ideas:
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Land five sales during the event
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Generate 30 leads at the minimum
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Find industry leaders and network
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Get in-person market research on your product/services