Exhibiting at a trade fair or other similar professional event can be hard work, but it is a fantastic way to increase demand for new products and services and sustain interest in existing ones. If you are new to the world of trade fairs, though, be warned: without the right preparation your first day at a trade fair can feel rather long, repetitive and tiring. Don’t get caught out unawares; read on for some tips on how to survive your first fair.
Prepare Well
To fail to prepare is to prepare to fail. This should be everyone’s top motto when it comes to exhibiting at trade fairs. Make a checklist of all the different things you need to remember to bring to the trade fair in order to successfully set up your stand, promote throughout the event and survive the day. This list should include all promotional materials you plan to take, practical arrangements such as banner stands and fold down tables and also personal requirements such as bottled water and a packed lunch. Before you start checking things off, photocopy your list so you have it ready for your next event, too.
Take Good Materials
There is nothing more upsetting then trekking halfway across the country for a trade event and then pitching up next to someone who has the glossiest brochures, snazziest banners and coolest promotional ‘party bags.’ If this happens don’t be tempted to think that this might pull some more people your way: attendees will inevitably be attracted to their stall and may bypass yours to reach it. Ensure that this doesn’t happen to you by investing in some great point of sale displays from specialists in the print sector like Print & Display.Good trade materials are not a needless expense; they are a worthwhile investment.
Take a Colleague
Never try and man a trade fair stall by yourself; it is genuinely impossible. If it is quiet you will want to die of boredom, and if it is busy you will be run off your feet with no chance to recharge your batteries, take a sip of water so you can keep talking, or even nip to the toilet. Consider the trade show in terms of investment: if it is an event that is truly worth taking time out of the office to display at then it should easily pay back in returns the worth of two people’s wages for the day. If your boss still isn’t convinced, ask to take the work experience candidate or intern instead of a regular member of staff.
For even more top tips, check out this fabulous online guide.
