What It Is

Conventions and trade shows are great events where exhibitors have the opportunity to display or show their new product or just enhance their image. Some exhibitors get really disappointed about the results of their trade show and vow never to exhibit again. The reasons for this are simply. The returns were not what they expected. Many reasons can certainly contribute to this, but they can all be avoided.

Some of the main reasons for failures are as follows: The exhibitor did no preshow marketing: word of caution, never exhibit at any trade show without doing preshow marketing. Do not just rely on foot traffic at the show alone, help it along. Attendees are looking for certain companies. They know of these companies through preshow marketing.

The next reason for failure is that your trade show booth is not up to par: You have to show up to a trade shows ready to do business. Your trade show booth should look the part. In other words make sure your booth is attractive and well suited for the environment. It should not just be attractive but it should attract attendees to your product.

Lack of promotional materials: One should show up to the convention with some sort of giveaway about their company and or their product. It should be professionally done. You can have DVD, brochure, or pamphlet about your product and services. Make sure it has all of your contact information long with your website

Untrained booth staff can also be damaging to your booth success. They should be well versed as to your product and services. Educate your staff on your new product and or services. Make sure they know how to exchange information with potential clients.

Lack of promotional give-away item can also be a determining factor why your trade show was unsuccessful. Attendees love to receive fee items, especially if they can use it in some way or another. It should relate to your product and have your contact information on it. Mouse pads were hot items at computer shows years ago. Choose something that relates to your product and make it useful

No follow up on show leads can also make a trade show event unsuccessful. Your attended the show to obtain leads and never follow it up. Follow up all leads in a timely manner. It makes no sense to go to the show and get leads and never follow them up

Remember failure to capitalize at a trade show simply means that you were not doing proper marketing. The biggest excuse I hear is that an exhibitor chose the wrong trade show to attend. I have one thing to say about that. Pepsi can exhibit at any show in the world, let?s say they are at the auto show are they out of place? They provide giveaways, marketing material, and other items. Do you think you will remember Pepsi? I say this to point out the fact that it was auto show, what do soda have to do with cars? Absolutely nothing, but you will remember that Pepsi was at the show