As Houston trade show display experts, we are often tasked with helping newbies to the trade show scene get prepared. We love doing it, and we want to share some of our most successful dos’s and don’ts with you if you are one of the newest exhibitors in town. Here we go!
Do have a goal. Always set a clear objective for your first trade show. Is it to “just get your name out there,” or is it to acquire a set number of new clients? Have the most important goal written down, so you can declare this first venture a success or failure once the show is over (of course, you want to declare it a success – that’s why you need to know the goal you’re working towards!).
Don’t put together a display that you like. Instead, put together a display the audience will like. Decide who the target audience is: potential customers at the show, or perhaps potential business partners. Determine what will appeal to them, and create a display that reflects it.
Do promote early. Use social media to tell your following you will be at the show. Tell your customers who come into the storefront. Make sure your name is on the event website under the “scheduled exhibitors” section, so that others at the show can plan to come see you. Do whatever you have to do to get the word out that you’ll be there, ready to mix and mingle.
Don’t forget to train your booth staff. This is their first show, too, and they need support.
Do follow up with all the prospects you meet at the show.
Don’t collect business cards in a bowl, or by some other impersonal method. It doesn’t work anymore (did it ever work, really?).
Do act early when it comes to display planning. We need lots of lead time to make your display spectacular!
If you want your first show to be a success, use these do’s and don’ts – and more importantly, let us help you make your display an incredible reflection of your brand. Our Houston trade show display professionals are excited to hear from you.
