Trade show marketing is a big investment in money and time. Your ROI on trade shows will pay off when you realize that your goal is to make contacts and build relationships – not to make sales. Sales come later: your priority at trade shows is to get noticed and be memorable – in a good way! Thousands of visitors attend most trade shows, pass by each booth, and make fast decisions on which companies deserve their time and which ones do not. You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.
Whether you’re B2B or B2C, trade shows are an opportunity to:
• reach new audiences
• connect with prospects and clients
• build awareness about your product or services
Tradeshow marketing is definitely old-school – but it still works! Trade shows have been a successful strategy to introduce your product and services to new audiences since Roman times when vendors gathered in the town square to sell their food and wares to travelers. A good trade show event leads to new clients and orders, new opportunities and increased exposure.
Planning for a trade show requires organizational skills as well as marketing skills – you don’t want the perfect trade show exhibit that no one visits! Of course, you need to bring the basic trade show supplies –
• power strips
• signage
• business cards
• swag
Here are 7 essential must-haves for your trade show checklist.
Learn More:
- How To Promote Your Booth Before a Trade Show
- Think Trade Shows Are Out Of Style? Think Again!
- 3 Keys to Stand Out at a Trade Show
- 32 Trade Show Marketing Tips and Trends
