The Brampton News - http://www.thebramptonnews.com
Tips for the Trade Show Exhibitor
http://www.thebramptonnews.com/articles/985/1/Tips-for-the-Trade-Show-Exhibitor/Page1.html
Carol D'Alessandro
Carol D'Alessandro is VP, Business Development of Logistics Associates.  Logistics Associates offers time and cost effective air, ground or ocean based shipping solutions for: Trade Shows, Exhibitions, Concerts/Stage Shows, Conventions and Conferences. If you have a logistics question, call Carol at 905-861-9600 or visit http://www.logisticsassoc.com/ 
By Carol D'Alessandro
Published on 11/1/2006
 
Brampton - Exhibiting at a Trade Show offers a unique and powerful selling opportunity; a unique opportunity to begin a relationship with your potential customers.

Brampton - Exhibiting at a Trade Show offers a unique and powerful selling opportunity; a unique opportunity to begin a relationship with your potential customers.  We want you to have a successful and enjoyable Trade Show Experience and hope you will find the following tips helpful.

Tips for the Expert and (First Time) Trade Show Exhibitor

·  Pre-show preparation
a.  Formulate written objectives.

b. 
Drive qualified attendees to your booth;
i.  through direct invitations with free passes;
ii.  pre-show promotion "visit our booth for an opportunity to WIN ,"Dinner for Two"

At the Show: CLARITY, CLARITY, CLARITY

Clarity is the most important point. You want to make it very clear...
∙ WHO you are;
∙ WHY you are there, and
∙ WHY someone would want to stop and talk to you.

Within 4-7 seconds of spotting your booth people should know exactly
∙ WHAT is in it for them, and
∙ WHAT the heck it is that you do

·  Create your own unique space... use a table top display or a large 10" X 10" format print image to use as a backwall

The job of the backwall is:
a.  To attract the attention of people passing by
b.  To project an appropriate image for your company,
c.  To impress people and provide a quick glimpse of what you offer

·  The initial outlay for a Trade Show booth may seem expensive, but remember this is an investment and can be used again and again.  If portable you can carry this in your trunk and set it up wherever and whenever the opportunity arises. …Board of Trade events, exhibitions, etc.

·  Be creative; you want to people to look and say WOW!

·  Keep it simple …you want to keep the set–up and take down to a minimum; this is another reason to purchase a proper display; portability and WOW at the same time.

·  At many events you will be required to set-up the day before. Arrive at the event early. When you are sure your booth is ready take a walk around the event floor.  Be your own critic…..Can your booth sign be spotted from across the room?  Does your space shout…WOW!! or is it only a "whisper"?  Does it look attractive, snappy and funky? Ask a fellow exhibitor's opinion.  Does he know instantly who you are and what you do?

·  Remember the 4 to 7 second rule…that is how long you have to catch someone's attention.

·  Now that you've got people at your booth have a give-away pens; caps; brochures, anything with your logo and contact info on it.

·  Have a gift basket for a door prize or if the door prize is a "Dinner for Two" you will want to have a large enough sign; and always have a fish bowl or somewhere for attendees to deposit their business card.

·  Wear comfortable shoes.

·  Remember why you are there!

Good Luck!