Trade shows are one of the best opportunities to showcase and demonstrate your business’s latest products and services in front of a large audience, as well as gaining exposure for your company in general and examining recent market trends and industry opportunities.
Regarding the benefits of a trade show, Tracey Fricke of the Greater Omaha Chamber explains, “So much of our business today is done online, but actually meeting new people face-to-face and interacting with them in person, or reconnecting with people you already know, is incredibly beneficial.
When designing your overall marketing strategy and booth design, it is fun to try and create a unique experience that will grab the attention of the attendee and stand out in the crowd. Be very thoughtful in planning out how you will engage your prospects and in determining the best strategy for execution, and then be consistent throughout your messaging. It is best to define your goals and the purpose of your involvement so that your expectations are clear and tangible, followed by a strong strategy in place of how you will reach those goals that is clearly communicated with the staff who is working your booth.”
Utilizing promotional products and wearables at a trade show allows you to show appreciation to guests while simultaneously reinforcing brand awareness. Studies have shown that the use of promotional products in a pre-show mailing can triple booth traffic and that 39% of people who received a promotional product could recall the name of the advertiser as long as six months after they received it. Daryl Decker, owner of PrintOvations, advises, “When considering promotional products for a tradeshow, one should evaluate several factors including who will be attending, the demographics of your targeted audience, and if there is a general theme for the show. Next consider where your prospects are at when contemplating a purchase of your product. These questions will help narrow down the seemingly infinite options.
We work closely with our clients on developing unique and memorable promotional products. PrintOvations offers internet-based pricing, but with local and personalized customer service that websites cannot offer. Rather than just providing a quote for the typical pen, koozie or coffee mug, we would rather spend five minutes learning about the client’s business and then offer ideas based on what may be most beneficial for a high level of exposure and return on investment. With over 700,000 promotional products available, the choices are almost endless. Based upon responses to a few key questions we can provide that perfect tradeshow item to drive additional traffic to any booth.”
Jenni Chleboun, President of the Western Douglas County Chamber of Commerce (WDCCC), adds, “Promoting your presence at a trade show well in advance is an essential part of directing attendees to your booth. It is easy to get distracted at these events with so much going on, so in creating interest and setting yourself apart, guests will likely make it a point to specifically seek your business out among all of the others. Mailers, social media, and word of mouth are all very powerful–promote, promote, promote! Attracting attention with unique aspects of your booth and presentation, offering drawings and giveaways, or promoting special discounts are all tools that can be utilized to get the most out of the trade show experience.”
There are many ways for businesses to get noticed at trade shows, but the best ways require plenty of planning well ahead of time. Utilizing local resources is the key to a competitive edge!