The Keys to a Successful Trade Show: Pre-Planning
Advicertainment by M. Christine Delea
What’s the biggest mistake that exhibitors make? They wing it rather than plan. It could happen to you. Maybe you don’t know what to expect, or you just need a refresher. Here is some friendly trade show marketing advice with a few entertaining music videos along the way. Enjoy!
Put the same time and effort into your booth as you do with the clothes you wear. Orange sneakers with pink shoelaces? Perhaps. Short shorts? Probably not. A LBD by Coco Chanel? An Italian suit? Much better.
Unforgettable
Think about your display the same way. It needs to be unforgettable, for all the right reasons. Attendees shouldn’t leave your booth space thinking ain’t that a shame. It shouldn’t be all glitz with no substance or simply not up to the standards of your competitors. Do your research and work with a professional.
Your booth design should explain your product, your brand, and your company’s personality — quickly. The graphics should entice, inform, and entertain. The unexpected is a plus, especially if you attend trade shows on a regular basis — Johnny One Note gets dull fast. Your booth should invite people in. In essence, it should say c’mon everybody! Come over here for something special!
Only You
Give yourself enough time before the show to think about your message and your audience. Only you know how long this will take, because only you know what has already been done.
Worried about what to say? Put your ideas down on paper and practice them but don’t over-rehearse. You don’t want to sound like a robot. But you do want to make yourself comfortable as you review your products and services with attendees.
What a Difference a Day Makes
Everyone on your team should be prepared, know their responsibilities, and be able to answer questions. You know what a difference a day makes. Don’t let an unprepared colleague feel as if they are stranded in the jungle.
You’ll be rocking around the clock at the show, so get some sleep before you leave. Get up early in the morning and resist the urge to go walking after midnight. Eat well and exercise.
With a little pre-planning you’ll be a superstar at your next show. Who knows, you may even want to go dancing to some Classic 1950s tunes. It’s all part of the thrill of participating in a trade show.
Posts in the Series:
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1950s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1960s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1970s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1980s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 1990s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 2000s
- Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 2010s
**********************************************
About Classic Exhibits
Classic Exhibits has been designing and building trade show exhibit solutions since 1993. We’ve been honored as an Exhibitor Magazine Find-It Top 40 Exhibit Producers and an Event Marketer Fab 50 Exhibit Builders multiple times. Along with numerous Portable Modular Awards. With over 250 Distributor Partners throughout North America, there’s a Classic representative near you.
Contact us today whether you need a durable 10 x 10 display built to last, a rental display guaranteed to attract trade show attendees, or a custom 30 x 40 exhibit with all the bells and whistles. We’re not just different. We’re better.