7 Tips to Prepare for a Trade Show: Ideas on Merch, Competitions & More
Author: Sarah Roberts
Trade shows are a great place to promote your business and generate valuable leads and partnerships, but knowing how to prepare for a trade show and make it successful is a unique skill that takes some practice.
We've helped hundreds of businesses plan for their trade shows, from small start-ups to multinationals, and now we want to share this experience with you to make your next trade show a huge success!
Our top tips cover everything you need to know, from ordering your branded merch to choosing the right people to work your stand and cool competition ideas that will draw in a crowd.
Over the years, we've gained considerable experience helping businesses nail their trade show booths with custom-branded promotional materials, so we know what it takes to plan attendance at these events.
Here are our top tips for planning a trade show.
Tip 1) Research How You Can Track Leads at Each Show
Tracking leads at trade shows is key to measuring success and building future customer connections.
Some trade shows make it easy with scannable QR codes on attendee badges, so you can collect data in no time. At others, you might need to get creative – like adding unique codes to your promo freebies to track who’s interested.
At Flashbay, many of our products are eligible for our Individual Naming Service, which engraves a unique reference code onto each unit of your promotional materials, allowing you to track leads back to the trade show when they reach out to you.
The trick is to plan your strategy ahead of time, so you can gather useful insights and make the most of your investment.
Tip 2) Be Clear on What You’re Offering Attendees
It’s important that your business as a whole and your booth hosts know what they’re offering attendees and how it’ll benefit sales and growth in the long and short term.
Offering service discounts for email sign-ups can attract potential clients and boost brand awareness. Free trials let prospects experience your offerings, increasing conversion chances. Collecting emails builds a valuable database for future marketing, generating leads and fostering relationships.
Providing free training for new partner companies at trade shows strengthens alliances and highlights your commitment to growth. It showcases your expertise, enhances client satisfaction, and builds loyalty by improving their performance with your solutions.
This strategy deepens business relationships, boosts brand reputation, and drives long-term sales growth.
Tip 3) Bring The Right Freebies to Give to Potential Leads
Simple branded freebies are the ultimate tool for boosting brand awareness at trade shows. These items serve as tangible reminders of your brand, capturing the attention of potential clients long after the event.
When combined with other offers, such as service discounts or training deals, they enhance your overall strategy by increasing engagement and enticing visitors to learn more about your business.
Quality promotional items at trade shows are essential for boosting brand awareness and promoting your business to potential clients. These items act as physical reminders of your brand, making a lasting impression long after the event.
High-quality promotional products show your company's professionalism and dedication, enhancing your brand image. Items can range from branded pens and reusable drinkware to tech gadgets and should align with your brand and appeal to your target audience.
Ordering promotional products early is vital for stress-free planning and ensuring availability when you need them most.
At Flashbay, our turnaround time is short, averaging just 5 days. This allows for flexibility and last-minute adjustments, so you're well-prepared for a successful trade show appearance.
Tip 5) Select Your Booth Hosts Carefully
Choosing the right staff to represent your company at a trade booth is crucial for making a strong impression on potential clients and partners. These people are the face of your business, and their ability to engage with attendees can greatly affect your success.
Ideal hosts should have excellent communication skills (including persuasion techniques), explain complex information simply, and answer visitors' questions. They should also know your products or services well and align with your company's values and message.
Their enthusiasm and professionalism can draw visitors to your booth and help build valuable connections. Taking the time to train and select booth hosts ensures your company is well-represented, leading to productive relationships and business opportunities.
Note: Picking the wrong hosts for your booth can make your trade show visit pointless. If your hosts aren’t friendly and outgoing it can be off-putting for potential clients. Not only does this make your booth cost an overall loss, but it can also affect the reputation of your brand.
Tip 6) Promote Your Attendance on Social Media
Promoting your attendance on social media is crucial for boosting your presence at the trade show and connecting with your audience before, during, and after the event.
Platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn can help you reach a larger audience and create excitement, drawing more visitors to your booth. Letting your followers know about your participation builds anticipation and encourages them to visit you.
It's especially important to use LinkedIn, with its professional network, to connect with industry professionals, potential clients, and partners. Sharing your trade show details to your social following strengthens your industry presence, shows your active involvement, and opens up opportunities for valuable interactions.
Tip 7) Plan Fun Giveaways or Competitions to Promote Your Business
Hosting fun giveaways or competitions with prizes that go beyond the usual freebies is a great way to get people excited about your booth and business. Eye-catching prizes grab attention, bring in more visitors, and get them involved.
Offering high-value prizes like our amazing Bee Mini Drone or our classic Mambo Headphones is the perfect incentive for attendees to visit your stand at least once throughout the event.
Plus, competitions make your booth stand out and give you a chance to collect valuable email addresses for marketing. Just make sure entering is quick and easy, like filling out a simple form.
It’s a win-win: more interactions and a solid list of leads for future follow-ups!
When to Start Trade Show Preparation
To effectively prepare for a trade show, it's recommended to start planning at least six to twelve months in advance. This timeline lets you plan all aspects of your participation, from budgeting and setting goals to designing your booth and selecting staff.
Starting early gives you time to research and pick the best trade shows. Early registrations can offer cost savings and prime booth locations. Plus, ordering promotional materials in advance helps avoid last-minute stress and ensures you have quality items ready for the event.
A well-prepared timeline not only smooths out logistics but also aligns your strategy with your brand goals, leading to a successful trade show experience.
Key Takeaways: Planning Trade Shows to Generate Leads
Proper trade show planning is key to generating leads and maximising returns. Set clear objectives, choose engaging hosts, and align promotional materials with your brand to enhance visitor experience and connection.
With effective organisation and strategic engagement, you'll capture contacts and build relationships, turning interactions into valuable business opportunities.
Get a head-start on your trade show planning with our extensive range of custom promotional products!
FAQs
How Long Does It Take to Prepare for a Trade Show?
Preparation for a trade show typically requires starting six to twelve months in advance. This allows ample time for logistics, budgeting, booth design, promotional material ordering, and staff selection, ensuring a well-organised and successful event participation.
What Do You Say at a Trade Show?
At a trade show, greet attendees warmly, introduce your business succinctly, highlight key products or services, and engage with open-ended questions to understand visitor needs and interests, ensuring a meaningful and memorable interaction while fostering potential business relationships.
What Should I Expect at a Trade Show?
Expect a dynamic environment with diverse industry players showcasing innovations. Prepare for numerous networking opportunities, engaging product demonstrations, and competitive insights while staying open to exchanging ideas and making valuable connections with potential partners or clients.
How Can Flashbay Help With Planning Trade Show Booths?
Flashbay offers a quick turnaround on quality promotional products, expert guidance on choosing items that align with your brand, and provides support in designing eye-catching booths to enhance brand visibility and engagement at trade shows.
Author: Sarah Roberts
