Preparing your business for a trade show appearance is a big deal and a huge investment in time and money. Following some trustworthy tips from the experts may save you from extra spending, hassle, and stress. Check out the following trade show tips from the experts at Earnest Images.
The Trade Show Experience
If your business is ready to jump into the trade show ring, getting started can be intimidating. There are so many bases to cover, plans to make, and budgets to figure out. To have a successful trade show experience, you want your investment to be worth it!
In order for your trade show investment to show its value, you want to leave the show having built new relationships, generated new leads, and increased your brand awareness. Those are lofty, albeit attainable goals, especially if you follow the seven tips listed below!
Seven Tips for a Successful Trade Show
No trade show is the same, but preparation for every show follows a pretty fundamental (not simple) timeline. Once you’ve decided that a trade show is in your business’s future, these seven tips should provide guidance from start to finish and make you feel ready for that trade show!
#1. Predict/Plan/Prepare
Ideally, the planning process for a trade show appearance should begin at least 6 months prior to the show. That seems like a lot of time, but there is a lot to accomplish!
Budget planning is an integral part of any trade show appearance. The costs for booth construction (or rental), travel, shipping, promotional products, and more can add up quickly. Setting a strict budget will ensure you do not spend more than you planned for.
Preparation for the trade show also includes building a team to represent you at the trade show. If you’re a small business, this may mean hiring extra help. This process is crucial to your business being represented in the best light, so don’t leave this process until the last minute!
#2 Booth Construction
Deciding whether to rent a booth or customize one for your business is an important decision. Booth construction costs are obviously greater than renting, but the booth is an investment that can be used over and over again.
Earnest Images offers a effective solution with their Tradeshow-In-A-Box; a kit that includes everything you need to make a strong impression at any trade show. The kit offered by Earnest Images contains a quick fab or grand fabric wall, a banner stand, a brochure holder, lights, and a shipping case that when wrapped with a graphic and topped with a tabletop converts to an open or closed Podium.
#3 Cohesive Branding
Leaving a positive impression on your trade show audience should be one of your top goals. Consistent branding creates a memorable brand experience, leaving your audience with a favorable impression and creating brand loyalty. Branded apparel for your team that complements your overall booth design is also a component Earnest Images can help you with!
#4 Promotional Items
Giveaways get people excited–especially if they are useful giveaways! Promotional items serve as a constant reminder of your brand or business, so investing in them is a smart choice. If you’re unsure of what to use as a promotional item or how to get started incorporating them into your trade show experience, reach out to Earnest Images–we have lots of ideas!
#5 Follow Up
Whether you’ve collected leads for new customers, or made an important contact with a like-minded company that could turn into a collaboration, following up after the show is vital! Incorporating a way to collect visitor information whether through an app, game, or social media and then following up with an email can turn a simple interaction into a lasting business relationship.
#6 Trade Show Survival Kit
Organizing a trade show survival kit is a way to make sure you have a plan when things go awry–and attending a trade show always has its unplanned moments! Putting together a kit that includes necessary back-up technology, actual tools like tape and scissors, personal hygiene products for your team, office supplies, and miscellaneous items like sharpies and storage bags could save the day!
#7 Storage & Fulfillment
Once you’ve started presenting at trade shows, it’s important to protect your investment. A storage and fulfillment company, like Earnest Images, can ensure that your displays, booth, promotional materials, etc. are stored correctly, and ready to go when needed for the next trade show! Earnest Images not only properly ships and stores your items, we also keep track of your inventory so when promotional items run low, we re-stock for the next show!
Following these seven expert tips will protect your investment in a trade show and guarantee a smoother experience! Take this advice from the experienced professionals at Earnest Images and be ready to shine at your next trade show.
Reach out to Earnest Images today for help with all of your trade show needs!
