Making the decision to be an exhibitor at a trade show, conference or expo isn’t always easy. It isn’t always cheap either. To maximize your ROI, it’s important to be clear on what you’re looking to achieve.
For example, is your primary goal to launch a new product in your line? Or, is your main focus centered around promotion? How many attendees or leads would you need to draw to satisfy your marketing objectives? What is the number of units needed to be sold in order to cover the cost of attendance and turn a profit?
List your top three must-achieve items that would make the trip worthwhile. Now you're almost ready to board your plane and make the most of that expo. But first the experts at Epic Signs & Graphics have some tips on how to attract trade show visitors with the best trade show displays.
Grabbing Attention at Expos
Research is a must- To properly market, you need to ensure you have the appropriate audience. For example, don’t attend a film conference if your company specializes in eco-friendly products. It’s also important to choose the conference with the most attendees and the least amount of competition.
Advertise ahead of time- It’s a wise idea to put the word out via your social media channels that you’ll be in attendance. If you can, include your booth number and location. Don’t wait until the day of only to realize attendance numbers are low or attendees are having a hard time finding your location.
Plan for your audience- Perhaps your company’s aim is to target multiple audiences. If so, best to ensure you have all the necessary information in-tow.
Bring extra promotional literature- Don’t make the mistake of underestimating the volume of people you’ll encounter. Even if you don’t’ hand out every single flyer in stock, it won’t have been a waste. Simply save the extras for the next expo.
Institute a prize giveaway or contest- By incorporating a prize drawing or contest, you’re sure to draw attention to your booth and gain a significant number of visitors. Once word spreads that participants could win big, you’ll be swimming in potential new business.
Send your most knowledgeable personnel- It’s not enough to merely be friendly. You need an employee who is also knowledgeable about your product line or services.
Engage your audience- A bright smile and friendly greeting can really go a long way. Welcome any questions they have and keep a good read on your body language. For instance, adopting an open stance and chatting with visitors to find out which aspects of your business are most applicable is a fantastic way to foster a new relationship and hopefully close a sale. It’s also smart to get out from behind your booth and be physically engaging as well.
Have a stock of promotional products on hand- Small takeaways that attendees can use post-conference are a fantastic way to continually remind folks of your services. Place them in a prominent location at the front of your booth to catch the eye of passersby.
Ensure a prompt follow up- Don’t let a hot lead go cold. Making sure you follow up with any and all contacts made is an absolute must.
Whether you’re in the market for floor graphics, banner stands, table covers, pop-ups or panel systems – the professionals at Epic Signs & Graphics are ready and waiting to offer you a free consultation for trade show graphics Cleveland, OH!