8 Important Things to Keep in Mind When You Exhibit

By xibitsolutions Posted On October 30, 2012 Trade Show Tips No Comments

If you’re exhibiting at a particular trade show for the first time, there’s no need to worry. Generally, the show floor is filled with happy and friendly people who are looking to network just as much as you are. But before you step into your booth, here are ten things you should know.

1. Engage customers in conversation

Don’t forget that the whole reason you’re at the trade show is because there’s a demand for what you provide. The attendees need what you’re offering, and engaging them in conversation is a good way to lead into a sale. Everyone is a potential client!

2. Offer eye-catching giveaways

Promotions are key to attracting visitors. Very few sales people can pull attendees in from the aisle on their own. Using a promotion will help you get more traffic to your booth without reaching desperate measures.

3. Talk to your competition

Time is precious. Remember, these trade shows only last two or three working days, so make use of all the time you have. Talk to clients, talk to potential clients and talk to your competition.

4. Keep your displays simple and elegant

Toning it down is okay. Keep your attendees in mind when designing your booth. If your custom trade show display is too overloaded with text and images and logos, you’re going to scare everyone away. Keep it simple and elegant, and let the visitors ask for more information on their own.

5. Things are going to go wrong…and that’s okay

Don’t sweat the small stuff. Problems happen and there’s no point in stressing over whether your extension cord is long enough. Trade shows are complicated events, and expecting everything to be perfect is just going to lead to panic and anxiety.

6. Collect business cards

It’s alright to hand out business cards to prospective clients, but make sure you collect their business card in return. If you take their card, the follow-up is in your hands and you can make sure to contact them after the show ends.

7. Be prepared to encounter an unhappy customer

You’ll probably meet some unhappy customers. Angry clients are abound at trade shows. If you encounter someone who’s less than satisfied with your company, approach the situation calmly. Apologize for the unfortunate circumstances and do whatever you can to solve the problem.

8. Get lots of sleep and take plenty of breaks

Standing on your feet during the show might not seem so bad at first, but once you’ve been walking around for three hours straight, your feet are going to be begging for mercy. So make sure you can get enough rest and take some time to relax during staffing shifts.