Take this one simple step to make sure you don’t forget the trade show lessons.
You might be thinking “how can one trade show tip help with my success?”. Well it’s true – we have just one tip to help spark ideas for the next trade show.
Write down any lessons learned. This way at the next show you won’t make the same mistake a second or even third time. Review the list prior to your next trade event since it’s easy to forget once you’ve left.
So simple, yet so effective. Try it and make the next trade show a success with this learned tip.
Let us know if you’ve got any lessons you’ve learned along the way.
Exhibitions, trade shows, expos, conventions, conferences. Whatever you call them each one is vital to any brands marketing campaigns.
Exhibitions, trade shows, expos, conventions, conferences, symposiums, job fairs, career fairs, are the many names to describe face-to-face marketing venues that every brand should be involved in. Whatever you call them each one is vital to any brand marketing campaigns. Read 22 statistics on why trade shows still outperform other marketing medias.
1.91% of attendees rank trade shows as “extremely useful” as a source for product purchasing information.
Source: Simmons Market Research Bureau
2.The vast majority (87%) of survey respondents state that national exhibitions are an “extremely useful” source of needed purchasing.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research 2004 report entitled “Decision Makers Prefer Exhibitions”
3.79% of attendees say that attending shows helps them decide on what products to buy.
Source: Exhibit Surveys, Inc.
4.91% of attendees say that trade shows impact their buying decisions because the competition is in one place allowing for comparison shopping in real time.
Source: EXHIBITOR magazine, 2006
5.91% of attendees tell us they get the most useful buying info from trade shows and events.
Source: Skyline Exhibits, 2006
6.Trade shows are the #1 sales or marketing medium for quickly overcoming objections and accelerating the buying process.
Source: Skyline Exhibits, 2006
7.On average, 77% of all qualified attendees represent a new prospect and potential customer for exhibiting companies. The results from this study have been consistent for the past 20 years.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research report entitled “Exhibitions Attract Market of Visitors with Buying Authority”
8.In 2007, an average of 82% of exhibition attendees reported that they had buying influence for exhibited products.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research report entitled “Exhibitions Attract Market of Visitors with Buying Authority”
9.Approximately two-thirds (63%-70%) of trade show attendees place a high level of importance on face-to-face interaction during the pre-purchasing stages.
Source: CEIR’s six-part study series entitled, “The Role and Value of Face-to-Face Interaction”
10.When asked the question “Which marketing mix components do you find most effective in achieving [specific] objectives?” respondents answered overwhelmingly that exhibitions are more effective than business-to-business advertising, public relations, direct mail and telemarketing.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research Report from research conducted by Deloitte & Touche Consulting Group report titled “Exhibitions Are More Effective in Achieving Sales/Marketing Objectives: The Power of Exhibitions II: Maximizing the Role of Exhibitions in The Total Marketing Mix”
11.76% of attendees rate face-to-face meetings with potential new vendors very or extremely important.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research as presented to the Major American Trade Show Organizers January 22, 2003
12.Trade show visitors will tell 6+ people about their experience.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research
13.87% of exhibitors rate face-to-face very or extremely important in marketing to prospects.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research as presented to the Major American Trade Show Organizers January 22, 2003
14.Overall, face-to-face interaction is of high importance to over 60% of attendees along most of the purchasing and customer relationship stages of the continuum.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research
15.97% of all qualified attendees represented a new prospect and potential customer for exhibiting companies.
Source: Exhibit Surveys, Inc.
16.The cost of contacting a prospect in the field is $308, which does not include the cost of identifying that prospect prior to the sales call! The cost per visitor contacted at a trade show is $212!
Source: Simmons Market Research Bureau
17.85% of decision makers say attending trade shows saves their company time and money by bringing vendors together under one roof.
Source: Center for Exhibition Industry Research
18.Trade shows cost 38% less than sales calls for generating a sale.
Source: American Business Media, 2006
19.Trade shows are the #1 business-to-business marketing spend to support sales, beating out specialty publications, internet, promotions and PR respectively.
Source: Market Reality eSurvey
20.The average total cost of closing a sale in the field is $1,080, while the cost of closing a sale to a qualified trade show prospect is $419.
Source: Trade Show Bureau
21.Trade shows allow exhibitors to show their full product range in real life rather than a catalog. Let buyers use all five senses to gain a full appreciation of your product and gain immediate feedback on products.
Source: EXHIBITOR magazine, 2006
22.Trade shows provide valuable insights on your current and new competition.
Source: American Business Media, 2006
22.Trade show booths from Affordable Exhibit Displays, Inc. are able to be transported easily, set up quickly, and viewed with envy by all. Call us today!
Source: Affordable Exhibit Displays, 2011
It’s time to enhance your motivation and awaken the power within.
According to Wikipedia, Motivation is the activation or energy of a goal-oriented behavior. You already know the goal: focus on Trade show exhibit success. So are you actively trying to complete the steps you’ll need in order to achieve your goals. When it comes down to exhibiting in a tradeshow environment all attendees will know what kind of motivation you truly had. So, what can you do to enhance your motivation and awaken the power that will push you toward accomplishing trade show success?
Here are a 7 Motivational Suggestions:
MOTIVATION #1
Set one major goal for the trade show exhibit along with a few minor goals. The minor goals will act as small stepping stones heading towards your major goal. An example of a major goal is: to obtain X amount of new contacts at the show. Your minor goals are the road map to get those X new contacts – a giveaway entry form, a sign-up sheet to your newsletter, promotional product giveaway, product or information mailings.
MOTIVATION #2
Understand that finishing what you start is important. Whatever you start must be finished. Develop the habit of going to the finish line. Keep a running list of goals with dates on completion. Plus, keep it in plain view to look at each day.
MOTIVATION #3
Ask around. Know of someone else attending the show. Pick their brain on what steps they are taking or plan to take. Then mold their advice to fit your needs.
MOTIVATION #4
Don’t procrastinate. Procrastination leads to fewer accomplishments. Need a flyer printed; don’t wait until 2 days before the show.
MOTIVATION #5
Persistence, patience and not giving up despite failure and difficulties keep up the motivation to succeed.
MOTIVATION #6
Constantly affirm to yourself that you can and will succeed.
MOTIVATION #7
Visualize yourself at the show feeling great about the steps you’ve taken. Be proud!
Ask us at Affordable Exhibit Displays how having the right trade show exhibit display can also help your motivation.
There are more uses for a trade show display than you think.
Ever think how many ways you could use your trade show display? They are not just for exhibiting only. Spread your dollars wider, the opportunities for uses are endless. There are many ways to use a trade show display, tabletop display, or banner stand. Here’s a few ideas where else these marketing materials can be used.
Letting a fresh pair of eyes can help take your message to the next level.
Many times you have looked at your own exhibit so many times that it’s at a point where you don’t ‘see’ it anymore. Accepting constructive criticism is best to listen to when you can’t see your brands clear message anymore. The solution is a fresh set of eyes. A fresh set of eyes may make all the difference in the world.
To know where to begin on evaluating how your current booth is working you’ll need to ask and outer source – someone who is not related to your business or industry is best. Have someone who is in no way related to the trade show industry or your company look at your exhibit and/or current marketing materials.
Give your ‘fresh set of eyes’ a good look at your exhibit booth and materials. Ask yourself these questions:
What do they notice first?
What impression do they get of your company?
What emotions do your graphics evoke?
Record their impressions and compare how they measure up to your marketing objectives. This fresh set of eyes will be viewing your booth the same way the attendees do – with no prior knowledge or preconceived notions of how the exhibit is ‘supposed’ to look.
A prime example is one of our returning customers, Custom Service Solutions. They came to our graphic design team and wanted a small self-standing sign to distribute to the machine vendors that would be attending the same trade show as them.
They submitted their own artwork and asked our opinion about the layout. We asked, “What’s the main goal?”: to inform customers about a drawing for a free Firetrace System. Our comment back: there is no clear, single message, there is just too much going on. So, with a bit of discussion Custom Service Solutions decided to allow us to come up with a single targeted message.
Here’s our point: by opening up the door for constructive criticism Custom Service Solutions ended up with a clear, concise design that will draw customers in to ask “How can I qualify?” Thus, in turn opening the door to obtain a lead, close a sale, or boost their ROI for the show.
Picking the best display for your needs can be tough, but we can help.
Remember as a kid how it was frustrating to get started on that report for school. At a young age having to research and complete a report plus draw a poster can be a daunting task. The hardest part is just not knowing where to start or even when to stop researching and start actually writing and drawing. The same even happens with adults and choosing a trade show display.
The same even happens with adults and choosing a trade show display and the first step in research is knowing the questions to ask in narrowing down what style suits your brand best. Here are 8 – that’s right – 8 questions to ask yourself.
STEP 1
What are the long-term goals? Do you have multiple shows lined up or none at all? Here’s an online trade show calendar that’s totally free to browse, research and use.
STEP 2
How many booth staff will need to attend each show? One, two, three, etc. people to set up? This will help on what type of booth you choose. Simple 1 person set up look at banner stands or 3 or more with custom interactive features look at a custom built display suited to your needs.
STEP 3
How many shows are out of your state – as in travel plans? Will the booth need shipping cases? If so, how many and will they be shipped ahead of time or need to be taken on a plane or in a car.
STEP 4
Do you have a budget? If so, what’s the magic number. If you’ve deligated the research part, make sure you inform that person of the budget they’ll need to work within. Don’t save it for last.
STEP 5
What type of product or services are your promoting? This is very important in choosing the right display.
STEP 6
If you have a product to display, how will you display it? Will you need to display product on shelving or off of a grid system?
STEP 7
When the display is not being used can it instead be used at other events? Maybe have it set up in your entryway or meeting room. You don’t just have to pack it away.
STEP 8
Lastly, will the booth you’re eyeing fit in the space you are renting? 6′, 8′, 10′, 20′ or more…
You’re now 8 steps closer to narrowing down the right display for your specific needs. Now you should be right on top of the display that’s right for you – it’s time to stop researching and purchase the booth and it’s accessories.
Remember, time might be running out as the show date rapidly approaches on your calendar. It’s time to purchase, it’s now or never, it’s go time, it’s on, ready-set-go. You’re nervous and you have every right to be – especially if it’s your first time. But, if you use the 8 points we’ve outlined above the best trade show display will be easy to decide to buy.
Which side are you on: trade show branding or just keep your brand routine.
Let’s clear this up right away. The repetition of doing the same thing every trade show event, every year is NOT branding. It’s simply boredom.
Routine is comfortable, it’s safe and it’s a rut you don’t want to be in especially at a Trade Show. Trade shows should be everything else but routine.
Say you go to X show each year, you bring the same display using the same graphics, you hand out the same literature even use the same giveaways, you may even wear the same clothes. By now I’m sure you’re pretty bored. And so are your customers.
Effective branding is not just a logo or certain color scheme; it’s not a product either. A brand is a promise of a clear-cut benefit and value that is fitting to your users.
It’s tough to decide whether you should step out of the branding box at a trade show. Here are some arguments as to which side you are on.
To effectively promote your brand does not mean you need to keep with the same everything. It can mean change too. Take a large corporation for instance, for example, ExxonMobil. They’ve been in business for over 125 years. Check out ExxonMobil’s history here. They’ve changed their logo over the years as often as needed to keep up with the current market. And it hasn’t slowed the company’s progression.
So, really it’s okay to take your trade show routine in a different direction. In fact, you really should Break the Routine all together today. Here are two quick pointers on what you can do to increase attention to your graphics.
According to a study by the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, there are two simple elements that can enhance graphic effectiveness.
1. Adding a border to focus attention on your sign helps the viewer read it 26% faster. That’s a big advantage in a fast-paced marketplace.
2. By presenting special information in a second color, you increase the reader’s retention by 78%. So whatever is most important on your sign, whether it’s a phone number or a keyword, try using an accent color to draw a better response.
Sometimes change does not need to be a full complete logo overhaul like ExxonMobil. Maybe a small graphic update with a new focus is all you need to make the next trade show better than ever before.
Use this free online tool to find trade shows you’ve been missing out on.
This is the biggest part of attending Trade Shows and possibly the most overlooked is planning in advance on where you’ll be exhibiting. Who isn’t a procrastinator now and again but planning ahead for a trade show is what will make or break it.
Sounds simple but it can be if you do your homework. If you’ve never attended a show before and want to start it will make a difference if you research the shows that will be worthwhile for you to attend. With numerous trade shows every year in the United States, there should never be a loss of places to exhibit.
Researching potential shows to find out where your company or product best fits is a must-do. We’ve taken the guesswork out of searching for other potential hot trade shows to attend. With the use of our free online Trade Show Calendar, you’ll easily connect with finding other trade shows you’ve been missing out on. We’ve got a completely free, always updated way to get in touch with the latest trade shows all around the USA! It’s fast, it’s easy and it’s all FREE.
Give it a try today. Locate the show when you want and where you want. It’s all online so access our trade show finder from work or your home office. It’s that easy. Use this free online tool to find other trade shows you’ve been missing out on.
Here are a few places to start your research:
– Ask your local and area Chamber of Commerce leaders
– Contact any Associations or Organizations you belong to
– Ask friends or colleagues in the same business as you and get their advice
Good luck in your search for potential trade shows to attend! While you’re finding new venues to exhibit at don’t forget to give some attention to your trade show booth needs as well. If you are in need of a trade show display, or just need an updated look for your brand then take a look at our Trade Show products. Partner with Affordable Exhibit Displays today to perfectly present your image.
Attending and exhibiting at an industry trade show is one way to get an edge.
Exhibiting at a tradeshow can offer you another avenue to get in front of a lot of customers and prospects in a relatively short period of time. With trade shows going on in convention halls all around the world, new contacts are made every day. Knowledge sharing is happening right now!
Education is what trade shows are all about. Whether attendees are catching up on the latest trends and techniques discussed at seminars, exhibitors informing buyers about their newest products/services or show-goers walking the aisles expecting to come out with more information than with which they arrived, knowledge was the main objective – getting it, expanding it, using it. And make sure you know what the most important trade show investment is.
Attending a tradeshow – even during a down economy – can be the best vehicle to obtain that knowledge and receive ideas that can help you make educated decisions on how to help your company move forward. Move forward by learning something new like that special technique or process you’ve been putting off, move forward by introducing that new product you’ve worked so hard on, move forward by getting that edge you need.
Or if you feel your business is in slow mode, you may need to apply some creative thinking to your business – step out of the box and tap into your creative side. Attending a tradeshow can pump up your creativity locked inside and provide the momentum needed to take the action to move forward. Get that push you need from a trade show!
Here’s another reason to consider: visibility is important. If you’ve consistently attended an industry show in the past and suddenly do not, your absence may send a negative message about your business to your employees, suppliers, and worse – your competitors. Keep going even if you think the profit is not there – what you don’t know is that it is.
The TRADE SHOW is an ideal vehicle to obtain the knowledge that you need to help you strategize, improve operations and make smart decisions to help you compete and win. You and your business should be a part of the action – starting right now!
PS: How about this tip: Remember that most shows also publish daily news bulletins — both print and online — use that to your advantage for recognition before, during and after the show.
There is a trade show display for every budget and every use. Find out what options there are.
Generating leads and making sales are your #1 priorities, and your trade show booth – both the physical space and the display – can help you do this. When you are displaying in a trade show environment, you want to project just the right image for your company; one that makes potential clients want to learn more after their first glance. Which brings us to the question: Do you know your trade show display style?
Let’s walk through some of the most popular options to choose from in the wide variety of displays out there today. We are sure one of these will suit your specific show needs and style!
BANNER STANDS …
Tempt your potential prospects with a versatile banner stand. These are a hit in the trade show industry! These lightweight portable displays are designed with your transporting needs in mind and most come with an easy to carry bag. Add your eye-catching banner design and potential clients and competitors will notice your company.
The two main types of banner stands are:
Retractable banner stands: Similar to a household window shade, pull the banner up from base and hook to top of the center pole. The banner graphic retracts down into their metal base, they generally come with a carry bag and set up time is seconds. Great for the quick, one-person shows.
Non-retractable banner stands: Simple design includes a weighted base and center pole with roll-able banner material. Roll your custom banner up manually for storage. They generally come with carry bag and set up is also within a few minutes. Typically weighing about 6-15 lbs. They also work for the one person shows. Some models even connect together with magnetic to form a large graphic wall.
Banner stands come in a wide variety of sizes. Widths and heights vary per stand model. Typically, you will see a width of 24”-36” and a height from 72”-84”. A banner stand can be used alone on the floor, set on a table or in addition to your already existing display unit. Use during the one day show, in a church setting, business lobby, career fair, or during your next big presentation to impress the higher-ups. These simple stands have the ability to impress in any setting.
TABLE TOP DISPLAYS or FULL-SIZE DISPLAYS …
Attract attention with a table top display and use it as a powerful resource to showcase what you have to offer. Table top displays are perfect when you’re limited by space or budget. And how easy they are to use by a single person — simply unpack, unfold and set on a table. Take advantage of the left over front space on the table by displaying handouts or small products, use a laptop for demonstrations or as a writing area. Being so portable and lightweight anyone can be on their way to fantastic trade showing with a table top display.
Control the flow to your presentation are with a freestanding full-size display. Utilizing the floor display is a great way grab attention. Free floor standing most are approximately 90” (7 ½’) tall and come in a wide variety of widths most commonly 6’ to 20’ wide. These booths are designed to be portable so they are easy to bring from one event to the next. Most are single person set up but some require two or more to help.
Table top and full size displays are available in these most common styles:
Panel display: with permanently connected panels or individual panels that connect together- Traditional style – May have double sided or single side panels- Usually covered with a VELCRO® receptive fabric- Easy graphic changing
Pop up display: modern style with a characteristic curve – Modern style – Generally comes with everything you need to get started- Usually has VELCRO® receptive fabric panels, aluminum frame and a wheeled compact shipping/storage case- Easy graphic changing- Optional wrap around graphics available- Generally come with a manufacturer’s warranty on the frame components
Full size free standing floor displays have the ability to connect multiple units together forming larger versions for nationals shows but can be used independently for the state-wide shows.
ACCESSORIES …Accessorize and complete the function of your booth by adding these items:
– Tall folding director chair – rest your feet and sit at eye level
– Podiums or counters – interactive stations or use as a barrier
– Folding tables – travel without worry of table size
– Throw covers or Table runners – cover the table and show your image
– Literature stands – holds handouts neatly in one spot
– Projector screens – PowerPoint presentation made easy
SHOP DISPLAYS NOW 
