The next big trade show is right around the corner and all of your company’s exhibitors have been properly trained in the art of engaging trade show attendees in conversation. During the trade show, time is money and long winded conversations can quickly lead to losses. Knowing how to start the conversation is no longer enough, exhibitors must also know how and when to end the conversation they started in the first place.
The Never Ending Conversation
It happens to us all. The conversation that never ends. Frustration sets in as you try to end the conversation. If only someone from your team could call or text you. That would be the perfect distraction to end it, but it never happens.
The trade show floor is quite different indeed. Exhibitors need to be able to reel in attendees with trade show displays and graphics, but they must also be able to maximize their time on the show floor. Trade shows don’t go on forever and goodbyes must be designed to keep an attendee’s interest.
Ending Lines
Exhibitors are trained to find commonalities that help a conversation grow, but the right ending lines are just as important. These lines must be subtle and polite, but firm at the same exact time. It is all part of the art of conversation. Here are a few tactics worth employing.
- Encourage the attendee to see other parts of the trade show. You may even want to make a few suggestions.
- The old, “It was nice to meet you,” followed by a handshake works wonders too.
- Bribing the visitor with a promotional item is also a great way to end a conversation.
- Another successful way to end the conversation is by saying, “I am looking forward to your feedback on the product when it arrives.”
Conversations are a two way street, but exhibitors must learn how to control the conversation during the trade show in order to get the most out of the show. Attendees will not stick around to wait for a conversation to end. If your exhibitors are busy talking to other attendees, they will pass right by. Learning how and when to end the conversation is just as important as starting it.
