A business exhibition is an event that avails booths to different businesses to display their products. These trade shows offer a great opportunity to network, export opportunities, and learn from other companies. You can trade ideas, form partnerships, and find mentors in different industries. Being well prepared for a business expo will ensure that you maximize all the opportunities you have. Below are ways you can prepare;
- Prepare Your Teams
Explicitly communicate all the information about the event to all the relevant teams. Synchronize the team members’ calendars so that everyone is clear on the booth hours, location of the expo, and meeting that will happen on site. A logistics document outlines the phone numbers of team members attending the event.
- Giveaways
There is so much the company can gain from having a free giveaway. Creative offers attract attendees to your booth, thus generating traffic. The food and cash giveaways are a hit with most people. Setting up a taco station will act as an icebreaker and enable you to converse with attendees freely.
- Advertising
Before the show, make sure you promote your presence at the trade show. You can utilize social media by creating a poll on what products to have at the booth. Take pictures of the event and post about the venue before, during, and after the show. Use clever hashtags on social media that are likely to trend and increase interest in the event. Always include the relevant information in the posts, such as the business expo location and your booth number. Make a video with reviews from previous customers that you can play at your booth during the expo.
- Budget
Trade shows are a significant cash investment for companies. Proper plan to ensure that the expenses don’t exceed the set budget. You need to provide booth costs, promotional material costs, power expenses, and expenses that the employees will incur.
- Customization
To stand out more, you can personalize the banner and carpet. To ensure that you leave a mark, you can get some custom tablecloths branded with your company logo at the front. Banners and logos make your booth more visible.
- Staff Training
The team you take to the event will represent the company. Training sessions with the employees will ensure that the company gets a high return on investment. The team needs to be well-versed with the products and have answers ready for potential customers. The team should also carry themselves in a manner that reflects well for the company.
- Dress Code
If you do not have a company uniform, have your team wear the same color. During your pre-expo meetings, ensure that you choose the appropriate clothing and shoes. You can customize some hats or a sash with the company’s logo. Your booth will stand out in the event.
- Sponsors
If you are a smaller company, you can get a sponsor from a well-established company to vouch for your products. Customers tend to trust endorsements from a respected company, making them trust your product. Sponsors are also great for providing the extra funding required by business expos.
- Objectives
Have meetings and discuss what the company expects from the event. If you are launching a new product, let the team know to put their focus on the launch. Be clear on whether you want to educate the attendees about your company or get new business.
10. Payment Methods and Fliers
When paying for your product, having a smooth payment method makes for a better shopping experience for the customer. For the most part, you have to accept cards as most people are sure to have one. It is vital to provide interested attendees with information about your company. The team can hand out business cards, brochures, and fliers to provide any customer’s takeaway information. The business cards need to have the company name, logo, telephone numbers, and social media handles.
Final Thoughts
It is relatively easy to have a successful trade show. Effective communication with your team will help smooth out any issues, forecast any problems that may arise, and find viable solutions. A happy team makes for a successful event, so take care of your team’s needs, such as lodging and food. Keep in mind that you are marketing the company, and generating quality leads is the goal of any outbound marketing.
