Trade show floors are exciting places. People, vendors, and opportunities are everywhere you look. So, how do you attract people to your booth and keep their interest? It’s not always easy, and effective engagement tactics can be a moving target. This article will walk you through some strategies and trade show booth ideas to win over that big new client. Being prepared with branded giveaways is just the first step in optimizing success with your booth.
Before the big Trade Show:
1. Do your research about the event or tradeshow. Make sure it’s a good fit.
When it comes to corporate events and trade shows, there are a lot to choose from. It can be a huge investment to show up or be a vendor. So you must choose the right event to invest in.
Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting your events:
- Is it possible to go ahead of time so you know exactly what you’re getting into?
- Does the event uphold the same values that I want to associate with my brand?
- Are they promoting positive things like sustainability and DEI?
- Will my target audience or client be there? What are the chances that they will be interested in my services?
- What types of trade show giveaways would be a good fit for the event?
Carefully selecting the right event for your needs can improve your chances of meeting your objectives and make your investment worthwhile.
2. Tap into your network
Create some buzz about the event before you even get there! Parse through your contacts list and make connections with the people who you think might have aligned interests with your event. Send out notifications that you will be there and set up meetings with clients.
If you’re planning on giving away promotional items with logos, include that in the correspondence. Let people know what you’re planning so they can get excited about it!
3. Know the competition
As part of your research practices, make sure you know who you are competing with. Go to their websites and research what they are planning. How do you compare to them? Are they doing something really cool that could outshine your services? Get ahead of the game and go the extra mile to make sure you come out on top. Sometimes we can learn from our competition. You never know if visiting their website might give you some new swag ideas.
4. Leverage social media, bloggers, and gray literature
Use the internet and social media to your fullest advantage. Tap all the platforms and make sure the word is getting out that you will be attending your event. Add a blog or 2 to your website, mentioning what trade show you are going to and why. You can even tap local news sources or gray literature publications and let them know where you will be going.
During the Trade Show:
1. Have an eye-catching display
The first thing you need to make sure of is that you will stand out. If it’s a large event, there are too many options for potential clients to go elsewhere. You have to draw people in visually.
Make sure that your booth utilizes everything you can, such as the following:
- Lighting: Make sure your booth is lit up and looking great. Never underestimate the impact of great lighting
- Graphics: Your backdrop, tablecloth, signs, and posters all need to look high-quality to properly represent your brand.
- Giveaways: Have some giveaways in view. As people are strolling around, they should be able to see what you have in store for them
- Have interesting stuff to look at: Avoid looking typical. Be unique, fun, and innovative.
2. Staff should look the part
After you know that your display is eye-catching and interesting, make sure that the staff, meaning the booth, looks its best. Maybe opting for matching outfits. Your talent can show off your branded merchandise by looking great as they chat with new clients.
Make sure that the vibe of their outfits matches the event. Is it more formal and business professional? Or is it more laid back and more of a high-quality sports outfit kind of event? Know what will fit in before you get there.
3. Provide a tech lounge
This is one of the smartest strategies to employ in order to draw traffic into your zone. Many people will likely need to charge their phones, work on their laptops, and access the internet. Having actual tables and chairs or lounge chairs where people can relax and recharge would be very enticing. Have charge stations set up so people can charge their electronic devices. Better yet, have a wifi satellite router set up. Sometimes, Wifi can be sketchy, and you can swoop in and be the wifi provider. That would really make an excellent impression on prospective clients.
4. Have fun merch giveaways
Not having branded merchandise is like showing up to the talent show without an act. It’s absolutely necessary in today’s corporate culture. Make sure that your items are small and portable so they will make it into your recipient’s carry-on luggage. Also, be sure that the items themselves match the theme of the event.
5. Win people over through their stomach!
Something that should be a high priority for trade show booth ideas is edible treats! Sometimes people find themselves walking around these giant events all day without proper sustenance. Having some water, coffee, or tea can be just what someone is looking for. Opting for packaged portable snacks like granola bars or fruit is also a very good look. Make sure you have something for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
6. Keep using Social media with regular updates
Once you are at the event, keep the buzz going online. Post regular updates while you are there about what types of things are happening. Take pictures and post them. You want to make people curious and wish they were there, stopping by your booth!
7. Have games, activities, events, and workshops
Another way to entice event goers is to put on special events and activities. Having games, drawings, and educational workshops is great. You can teach people something, hand them a snack, and they will love your brand. Hosting events and activities is a stellar way to increase your brand awareness.
8. Have a few bigger prizes available to entice newcomers, like custom swag boxes
It’s great to have a variety of different types and levels of giveaways. Have those easy, affordable thighs sitting on the table that people can excitedly grab. But also have a few bigger prizes, possibly for game winners, that are something like custom swag boxes. This will keep people interested in your activities, increase your brand awareness, and amp up excitement about your trade show giveaway!
Follow-up from the Tradeshow:
After utilizing all the best trade show booth ideas, don;’t forget your follow-up! Collecting a large list of new clients means nothing unless you actually make contact with them after the event. Reach out via email, phone calls, and mailed fliers. But don’t be annoying about it. Striking a balance with persistent but not spammy is what you want.
Always have the best branded giveaways at the trade show!
In conclusion, employing some of these strategies, along with an exciting trade show giveaway, can boost your trade show success! Putting together custom swag boxes, comfy recharge stations, and looking your best will help your time and energy investment come to fruition. If you need help with swag ideas and looking your best, Social Imprints can be there to support you. Make sure you are presenting your brand as the best it can be.
For help with trade show booth ideas, reach out to bizdev@socialimprints.com, and one of our product specialists will be in touch!
