4 Tips for a Successful First Trade Show.

Planning for an exhibit in a trade show can be intimidating for even the most seasoned of participants, and, particularly with first-timers, the potential gains may not outweigh the time, expense and headache involved.

However, with the right kind of planning, it can be the most beneficial opportunity of the year for increasing client base and profits. With these four tips for first-time participants, even the smallest company can make the biggest splash at any trade show.

1.) To rent or not to rent?

A professional, well-organized exhibit is the first step in attracting potential customers. Renting an exhibit is attractive, especially if you participate in three or less shows a year. It allows you to update your exhibit at each show without incurring the large expense of recreating an exhibit each year.

A rental unit allows you to unload part of the headache on someone else, both in design and production. If an element of your exhibit isn’t effective, it can be changed quickly for the next show, without losing any money.

2.) Booth Placement:

An often overlooked aspect of a company’s first tradeshow is their booth placement. Some shows allow new participants to choose their location, while others go by seniority. Try to get a location that is as close to the entrance as possible, but also in close proximity to your competitors, particularly big-name competitors. You don’t want to hide from your competition; you want customers to compare you with them.

3.) Market your brand:

Your main purpose at a trade show is to market your company, your brand, to as many potential customers as possible. One of the biggest ways to do this is to sponsor the show. Show sponsors’ logos are usually printed on both banners and advertisements for the show, as well as on name badges that everyone who enters the event will wear. Long after a potential customer has passed your booth, the consistent reappearance of your brand will ensure a place in your future client’s memory.

4.) Design materials:

Technological advancements have completely changed the way trade show exhibits are set up. You now have the choice between incorporating digital elements into your exhibit, including interactive kiosks that can take some of the pressure off of your human presenter.

Also, exhibitors are no longer limited to laser-printed designs for panels and backdrops. Cloth panels are taking over, mainly for their ease of storage and transportation. Cutting costs with the amount of labor required to transport and set up the exhibit will allow for more to be spent on the actual exhibit, and attract more customers.

Hopefully, by keeping in mind rental options, booth placement, brand marketing and design materials, your first trade show exhibit will be a successful one.