Trade shows are one of the greatest resources available to raise awareness about a new product or idea and boost business. With the new year already just around the corner, now is the time to start preparing your trade show strategy to use these events to effectively promote your brand.  Whether this year is your first time participating, or if you’re a seasoned pro, planning ahead of time is the most important contributor to trade show triumph. This comprehensive guide will walk you through methods you can use to run a successful trade show booth that will leave your competitors saying – “Why didn’t we think of that?”

1.) Determine Goals And Plan Ahead

There are several things to consider before you head out to your first trade show of the season – like choosing the right booth space, budgeting, how to follow up with leads, and figuring out what your goals are. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself during the planning process:

What is my budget for trade shows this year?

The cost of trade shows will vary according to the size and location they’re held in, but creating a budget will help you decide how many shows to attend this year and which booth space to invest in. You’ll also want to include the cost of travel, hotel rooms, meals, promotional products, and giveaways in your budget.  

Which employees will I send?

Choosing the right staff to manage your trade show booth is essential in order to get the results you want. Make sure the employees you send have a good understanding of your business, are ready to answer questions, are ambitious and motivated to attend, and represent multiple departments so they can share different perspectives on your company’s mission and achievements.

What are my goals?

Choosing the right staff to manage your trade show booth is essential in order to get the results you want. Make sure the employees you send have a good understanding of your business, are ready to answer questions, are ambitious and motivated to attend, and represent multiple departments so they can share different perspectives on your company’s mission and achievements.

2.) Create An Item Checklist

Afraid you’re going to forget something? Don’t worry, it happens. Prevent it from happening this time by making a checklist to guarantee a quick departure without missing any important items.

Here’s what we have on our list:

• Signage
• Tablecloth
• Power strip and extension cords
• Business cards
• Promotional items
• Presentations (slideshows or video) on a flash drive
• Multiple laptops or tablets
• Mobile hotspot in case internet connection fails
• Duck tape, scotch tape, and electrical tape
• Hand sanitizer
• Supplies box – pens, paper, scissors, zip ties, etc.
• Refreshments

It’s better to bring everything you think you’ll need rather than missing out on something you definitely needed. Don’t rely on the venue’s internet connection or your signage to be perfect on the day-of. Bring backup methods like hotspots, external media storage, and extra supplies to display signage in case anything doesn’t go as planned.

3.) Sign Up Early, Show Up Early

Speaking of things not going as planned, how often has this happened – You show up for an event and everything is prepped and ready, but suddenly, the audio for the video you spent hours creating isn’t working. Something this simple could be catastrophic for your trade show booth, so show up early each day to test everything.

Technical or aesthetic issues can be interpreted as unprofessional, so ensuring your booth is ready for all of the day’s activities will prep you for success.

Signing up for trade show booths early will also give you an advantage by allowing you to choose a strategic spot on the floor – and save money. Popular trade shows fill up their booths fast, so just remember to sign up early so you don’t miss out on the best opportunities to market your brand to hundreds of potential customers.

4.) Bring Compelling Promotional Products

The best-performing trade show booths undoubtedly have some of the best promotional items to give away. A great promotional item will leave attendees with a lasting impression of your company and encourage others to visit your booth. Keeping items cost-effective is usually the most important purchasing factor, which is why Namify offers hundreds of products at a great price that trade show guests will love.

Some of our most sought-after trade show items for 2017 are:

Portable Power Banks

Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer Sprays

Retractable Stylus Pens

We’re always happy to help you find and create branded promotional products for your business at the best price. Browse our full collection to find the perfect item for your next show without breaking the bank. We hope you’ve found this resource guide helpful and have fun planning your trade shows!