Let’s talk Trade Shows… we’re finally in a place where a trade show makes sense. What would be your top tips for exhibiting? Could be anything from ideas around display or how to collect peoples info to how avoid completely exhausting yourself in the process. All ideas appreciated- I can compile them and share a Best Of document if it’s useful. 🙏
Ooh everything Vivien has said I absolutely echo. And a few more from me. As with everything...it's not about you. Think about what is the most valuable thing you can give away for free that will captivate and entertain (and bring them in for a chat) for those crucial few seconds as people decide to stop or walk past. Make people feel something. Good ones for a trade show are joy and nostalgia. Bring your own refillable thermal mug and water bottle and keep them topped up with coffee and water! I lived off a delicious combo of Brasil nuts and Medjool dates - they kept me going for three days! Think about the senses - especially for you guys at wild strong - what can people hear when they walk past...bird song? Nature sounds? Things I enjoyed as a visitor to trade fairs: *Water bottles and mugs - expensive I imagine but incredibly memorable and impactful. *One business handed out sanitary towels in a canvas shopping bag with a funny slogan on the front that could apply to many situations. They were a female founded accountants. Just brilliant. *Inspirational postcards with gorgeous images - I've still got some of them on my vision board at home.
Professional Doer
7moIt depends on the trade show. The environment will dictate how people want to interact and what they’re there to achieve which you need to consider. I really enjoy then but I think if you approach them as an opportunity to learn rather than sell it makes it a lot more fun (and the sales come!). Most people are expecting you to be collecting details so they’re quite open but the technicalities of it can be a pain. Often shows will provide a way to scan people’s name badges to collect contact details but if I’ve spoken to someone I always end up taking a note on mh phone with a bit of detail about the conversation so I can follow up personally. The other way is a prize draw where they drop their contact details into the hat to win. A lot of people still have cards. Whatever the vibe don’t be shy to ask. If they’re looking they’re fair game. :) And they can always say no. I cannot tell you how ouch people love a freebie. Swag is your friend :) And something to do at the stand. I was at The association of British climbing walls last year and Griptonite had a hang board everyone loved.