How to Stand Out at a Trade Show and Improve ROI

Improve ROI and Stand Out at Your Next Trade Show Event

Trade shows are great for networking and spreading awareness of your brand. However, the main reason for attending a trade show event is to improve ROI. The best way to do so is to stand out from your competitors! Trade shows are fantastic arenas for showcasing your company and can therefore generate tremendous profits. So follow these tips to stand out at your next trade show and improve ROI.

Be bold, not brash

It is important to make a statement at a trade show. After all, you are there to be seen. You should not, however, be too “in-your-face” with potential clients. Your trade show display needs to adopt this same strategy. You wouldn’t want a potential customer to be put off by aggressive colors or patterns on your display. Which is why you also wouldn’t yell or scream at a client to grab their attention. Finding the right balance is crucial for finding success at a trade show.

Plan ahead

It goes without saying that preparation is the key to success. This holds true for trade shows as well of course. So be sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get all the required elements to ensure your show goes off without a hitch. Some things to keep in mind when planning your trade show:

• Your display, of course! Your first step is to ensure that you have a working and attractive display. Missing pieces can spell doom for your trade show setup. Need something fresh? Head over to APG Exhibits to browse the selection of top-notch trade show exhibits.
• Giveaways. Are you planning to bring along anything to giveaway to potential clients? Do you need to print extra pamphlets? Are you bringing a product to sell or giveaway?
• Shipping/transportation. This is an oft overlooked facet of trade shows – how are you and your display getting to the show? Have you calculated the shipping costs if you are shipping your display/products to the exhibit hall?
• Get the word out ahead of time! Send out emails/make phone calls to let people know you are going to be at the show. This can be immensely helpful when people know to look for you and where to find you! Be sure to advertise yourself before the show starts and it’s too late.

Lead capturing

This is likely the MOST important aspect of the trade show. Establishing a way to generate and capture leads is one of the main purposes of attending a trade show event. Therefore, develop strategies for generating leads during your show. One of the simplest and most effective ways to capture leads is to have a sign-up list or giveaway drawing during the event. Bring along a couple tablets or invest in a media kiosk/tablet stand to really establish a polished look. During the show, have customers fill out a form to enter to win a prize, or just offer to sign them up for your newsletter.

Lead follow-up

Now that you have the leads, the real work can begin! The hard work has been done, now it is time to reap the rewards. All too often, there is little-to-no follow up post-show. The main purpose of attending a trade show is to gather this information – now use it! Follow up with potential clients as soon as possible. Even if it’s just a quick note to show appreciation for stopping by your booth, you’ll want to send some type of follow up. This will keep you fresh in their minds, and establish your legitimacy. This is one of the most important ways to improve roi for your trade show investment.

Have fun!

This is one item that so often gets forgotten in the hustle and bustle of attending a trade show. Of course, your main purpose for being there is to spread awareness of your brand and thus increase revenue. However, this doesn’t mean you have to be all business. It’s important that you keep your show light and fun – this will translate into a more relaxed atmosphere for both you and your potential clients. It’s normal to be nervous or intimidated about the prospect of putting yourself on display for a trade show event. Keep a smile on your face and the tension will melt away!

Tell us!

How do you have fun and stand out at your trade shows? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave comments below. Have a question? Head over to APG Exhibits to chat with one of our knowledgeable trade show experts.