We’ve all seen the small vendors that show up at trade shows with just their marketing brochures, their business cards, and some candy. They use the provided black tablecloth and company sign provided by the venue. These are my least favorite booths to interact with. They might have a great product that would be awesome for me, but their booth makes me want to avoid them. Here's some advice: Don’t be one of these people.
Trade shows can be a great way to get in front of a large group of qualified new customers. Your success depends on your level of preparation. Even if you know you have a great brand, there are a lot of pieces to bring together to ensure your booth is a raging success.
Here's a list of the top 8 things to remember and prepare for to make sure you’re ready to attract the best leads to your next trade show booth.
- Table Throws
Production Time: 5-10 business days
It’s a simple thing but it can mean the difference between getting noticed and getting passed by. You’ll want a tablecloth that shows who you are in a big way. The most effective design is just your logo, big and bright. Don’t make it complicated to read or figure out. Do you attend a lot of trade shows? It might be helpful to have a couple of
table throws in the two top standard sizes: 6-foot and 8-foot.
- Signage
Production Time: 5-10 business days
Your needs for signage may vary depending on your investment at your booth. Great options include:
Build your space thoughtfully with the right balance of signs that defines you from your competitors and shows off your brand.
- Flyers/Brochures
Production Time: 4-5 business days
Signs draw attention, your great sales pitch piques interest, and proper print collateral educates after the initial contact is over. Be sure to bring some sort of sales
flyer or brochure that outlines what you do and how to take action.
- Promo Items
Production Time: 1-3 weeks
Everybody likes free stuff—it’s a universal truth. What can you give away that will keep people remembering you long after the event? We like to give away items that our potential leads will want to use or wear over and over again. You don’t have to spend a fortune on big-ticket
promotional products – journal notebooks, pens, hats, and mugs are some great items we see our clients ordering.
- Business Cards
Production Time: 2-3 business days
The basics can sometimes be easy to overlook. Make sure you and all your attendees have an ample supply of
business cards to give out. Not only will you need them at your booth, but every conversation is an opportunity, whether in line for an Uber or in the elevator on your way to your hotel room.
- Branded Apparel
Production Time: 4-6 business days
You’ve gotta look the part! Having you and your staff in
company-branded apparel is critical. Whether it’s left chest embroidery or clever printed t-shirts, branded apparel sells even when you’re not at your booth.
- Lead Forms
Production Time: 2-3 business days
How are you going to keep track of all the lead opportunities you receive at this event? Many trade shows have lead management systems that allow you to scan badges to collect lead information. This makes things easy and paperless, but it can be expensive to buy that list after the show. Collecting business cards is always an option, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t have business cards on them. We always bring paper lead forms to all events so we are ready to capture that lead’s contact information, which products and services interest them, and any notes we should remember about our conversation. It never hurts to be prepared to capture a lead. After all, that’s why you’re there!
- Games, Gimmicks, Crowd Draws
Production Time: varies
Boring booths make it tough to get people to approach. A fun activity can draw people in and lighten the mood before giving your sales pitch. We recently used life-size celebrity cutouts that were perfect for taking selfies. Some companies use prize wheels or games to bring in people. Whatever you decide to be your draw, make sure it’s fun and in line with your brand.
Other Things to Remember
- The Supplies Box – Put together a kit with pens, tape, rubber bands, stapler, paper clips, scissors, utility knife, zip ties, batteries, etc.
- Power Strip and Extension Cords – You can never be too prepared.
- Refreshments – A trade show is like a marathon. Amidst the churning crowds, you must pace yourself, maintain eyes on the prize, and, most importantly, keep hydrated. Bring the necessary snacks and water to survive the day.
We’re helping companies just like yours maximize their effectiveness at trade shows and conventions all over the country. If you’re interested in learning more, invite
AlphaGraphics in for a chat and we can find out together.
Portions of this article were written and provided courtesy of AlphaGraphics US004 in Tempe, AZ.