Build Buzz
When you walk into a trade show, the absolute best-case scenario is that people seek out your booth, instead of just stumbling upon it as they walk by. In order to get this best-case scenario, it’s wise to build up excitement about your presence at the trade show beforehand. There are a few ways you can do this:
- Trade publications: Pitch a story about your business to the publications that serve the same market your trade show attendees belong to. Start a few months in advance so the article can be published before the trade show. That’ll get your name out there in the community.
- Newspapers: Similarly, release news about your attendance at the trade show to local media and see if they pick up the story. Even releasing an unrelated news story can help.
- Social media: Start promoting your attendance at the trade show on your own social media a few weeks before the show.
Great Giveaways
Once you’re at the trade show, a great way to spread the news about your booth is offering giveaways or prizes. Don’t make the mistake of holding them until the end of the event. If you can give them away earlier, people who visit your booth will carry them around, essentially advertising your booth to those around them. If they love the giveaway, they may even tell people about it.
For this strategy to be impactful, the giveaway has to be high-quality and branded. We offer these customizable items that would work perfectly:
- Socks
- Journals
- Mugs/cups and other drinkware
- Food
- Biodegradable gifts
- Bags
- Pet products
When possible, match the giveaway for the audience. If you’re at a trade show for Christmas products, choose Christmas themed socks. If it’s a sport-related trade show, go with water bottles.
Fabric and Flags
Most businesses understand the value of an eye-catching display and invest in quality signs and booth materials. If you’ll be at a competitive trade booth, you need to up the ante. Invest in unusual items that your competitors may not have, including:
Fabric banners: Most trade show banners are vinyl, but fabric is also available. They have a different look and texture that announces the quality of your brand.
Flags: Adding some unusual shapes to your trade show display is simple and more cost-effective when you do it with flags. They can be a range of shapes, and when you place them correctly, they can help give those who stop at your booth more privacy, which is beneficial to help them stay and buy.
