Spring is on its way, and that means the start of trade show and event season. Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a first-timer, here are some helpful tips to make sure you get the best from the sizeable investment made in your stand.
What are you trying to achieve?
Youve taken a stand at XYZ show. Before you even load the car/van, you need to think carefully. What it is you and your business want to achieve?.
Are you
- Trying to sell the stock/products that you are taking with you?
- Looking to gather contact details for further discussions?
- Trying to discover who is the key decision maker?
- Looking to make more people to aware of your brand?
- Or are you looking for something else entirely?
Some of the answers to the above will depend on what kind of company you are and what type of show you are attending. Having a clear picture before attending the show will enable you to get your look spot on.
How will your stand look?
Again, this comes down to what you are looking to achieve for the event.
- Are you a retailer, looking to sell product from your stand? Then you will need plenty of stock, displayed attractively, and clearly priced. Cash float and the ability to take credit cards will also be important.
- If you are looking to chat with potential customers, maybe an area to sit/stand. Ability to offer refreshments and stationery will be key.
- Brand awareness can be achieved with a product or promotional giveaways. You will also need visuals/pull-ups to help people identify who you are. Are they clear, concise and in an easy to read font?
What about staffing the stand?
With body language making up 55% of non-verbal communication. Its key to ensure that the staff you have on your stand are not only the right type of personality for the event. Their dress code best matches your corporate branding.
Depending on the type of company that you run and the objectives of the event will depend on the people you need on your stand. Generally speaking, you should have personable, friendly members of your team that have basic knowledge/understanding of what you are offering. If your product line is particularly specific, then you may need an expert or two on hand for more in-depth questions. However, a team of in-depth experts may scare away people who just want to chat and gather an overview before wishing to make a follow-up appointment.
Its fair to say that what the team show uniform is, wont be the same for every event, company or organisation. This is where the experts at MyWorkwear can help.
- Its probably safe to assume that your logo will need to feature on your clothing.
- You could also add words that you wouldnt normally wear for a day at the shop/office/factory. Maybe your website address, or a quote, phrase or statement. Why not let your stand uniform ask a question to those passing by your stand? An example could be a company offering energy savings. We can print Dont waste your time and energy, let us save you money today. Remember that these tops are only for the duration of the show, can help you tailor your message to that particular event.
- Will you be wearing shirts, polo shirts or t-shirts?
- Will you need trousers, skirts or shorts too? Again this depends on what your company do and what type of show it is.
- Let your team wear comfortable and supportive shoes. Standing on your feet for a long day can be painful if the wrong shoes are worn.
Before you even arrive at the show
Utilise the marketing that the show organisers have in place. Check out any # that they are using and jump on their bandwagon. Advertise on your own website and social media channels that you are attending. Let your customer base know as they may want to come and meet with you. Being at a trade show or event can be costly in terms of money, time and manpower. Make sure it works for you.