Just about everyone has been to industry events and has seen row after row of tables draped with covers and backdrops. In this trade show environment, what sticks out to you? What's unique? What catches your attention?
Creating an exceptional trade show booth is easy, if you are willing to put in enough time, energy and of course an investment.
Use these 6 suggestions in order to help provide you with the boost you need to make your next event an exceptional one.
1) Make Your Booth Unique
Industry events are a sizable investment when it comes to time and money. If you're planning to make an investment in a trade show exhibit, the first thing you should invest in is a booth that will stick out. Investing in a quality booth that you can use and re-use for a long time is your best option; especially if you plan on frequently exhibiting at different events. If you’re not wanting to invest in quality products for your trade show booth, it might be worth looking into different marketing and advertising avenues for your business.
Additionally, be flexible while choosing your trade show accessories so that it can be revised to different sizes (e.g. 10x10, 10x20 and 20x20). This will provide you with the overall flexibility to increase, or reduce your trade show footprint while preserving the visual components of your booth and keeping yourself true to your brand.
2) Dominate the Swag Race
There is absolutely no arguing that the promotional items you decide on will impact your ability to get attention and create hype around your trade show occurrence.
If you're concerned about the cost, remember that everyone doesn't have to get the "big reward". A great way to achieve this is to provide a cheaper promotional item in bulk and offer a few grand prizes through out the course of the show through raffles or drawings.
3) Host a Game (with Awards!)
When you have a great game in your booth that is highly relevant to your industry, while your contending entities down the aisle have only brochures, you’re much more likely to attract traffic to your booth. Ensure that your games come with an aspect of fun and that they draw in positive attention.
Do not forget to use your game as an opportunity to acquire information. Have guests sign-up to take part. This will help you to create a list you can use to follow up with after the event.
When determining your game, think about what your potential clients find amusing and relevant. Choosing a game that is highly relevant will help to build the conversation around your booth and business.
4) Demonstrate Your Product or Service
If you're investing in a trade show appearance, maybe your product or service is valuable and unique on the market. Be sure to put a lot of thought into how you will demonstrate what you are offering. A trade show is the prefect opportunity to show off your product or service’s true value.
Think about it just like a mini-infomercial. Concentrate on the worthiness you will offer to the audience, not the features. When you can make it practical, do it. The more your audience can relate to your demo, the better!
5) Use Technology
Many modern systems can be used in the trade show environment to provide an exhibitor the upper hand.
Lately, digital signage and interactive touch monitors have been included in trade show booths in an effort to engage attendees. These digital elements may be used to show processes, teach consumers, showcase testimonies and a great deal of other functions that can distinguish an exhibitor on the trade show floor.
Location based marketing is another technology that you may well be in a position to use in your favor. As participants wander near your booth, text messages are delivered to their cellular phone containing special deals (maybe an offer to try out your game) and other announcements about browsing your booth. New systems like the iBeacon can make this possible.
6) Social Networking
Although industry events are an "in-person" event, it doesn't mean that social media can't play a role in your current trade show efficiency. Active social advertising participation through the show can allow you to resonate with followers -- attendees, and their friends who couldn't make it.
Be sure to look into Trade Show Display Pros if you’re looking for ways to improve your booth in the coming trade show season.