Tradeshow Dos
and Don'ts
by Phil Kelly
Having just returned from the promotional items
international trade show in Dallas, TX recently, I was made
aware of several tips that others in trade shows should
know.
While this list is not all-inclusive, it can serve to bring
you up to a quick speed on some minimum requirements for
operating a booth at a trade show.
1) It is of utmost importance that the staff be friendly,
knowledgeable and courteous. They should be good
communicators who can completely describe the product or
services you offer.
2) Don't have chairs in your booth, unless they are used to
conduct business with clients. Booth workers should never
sit. They should stand in order to make immediate eye
contact with the show attendees. Booth workers should greet
or
at least acknowledge every single visitor to their booth.
3) The Front of the booth should be open inviting show
attendees into "your space". Don't "hide" behind a table or
other booth prop.
4)Don't schedule booth workers for long shifts if all
possible. Two-hour shifts are great...especially at a busy
show. If this isn't possible, at least schedule frequent
breaks throughout the day so booth workers can either sit
and rest their legs, take a walk around the show, etc.
Also, if a booth worker must be there for the entire day,
encourage them to change shoes a couple of times. This makes
a big difference.
5) Take the time to be original in your promotional items.
Try to do/have the "unexpected" at your booth to attract
attention. Your promotional item should be something of
value to the visitors to your booth...or something so unique
that they have to stop and ask about it. When possible, use
quality products linked to your type of business with
complete imprint of your name, phone, website, etc.
6) Don't focus on passing out lots of sales literature,
brochures, etc. Most of this will be thrown away without a
second glance. Instead, organize a drawing or other
mechanism for collecting potential customers names and
addresses. Send out literature after the show along with a
special thanks for stopping at your booth. Plan your
follow-ups BEFORE the show. Remember, the object of a trade
shows is to generate NEW business)
7) Invest in a heavy pad and good, thick carpet for your
booth space. Your booth workers will thank you.
Author:
Need more help or questions answered about
imprinted promotional items or how to use them?
E-mail or call Kelly Specialties.
kelly3@netins.net 800 554-0793
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