One of the best venues to learn about your competitors and what they're shopping is in fact... a trade show!
Before the show begins, familiarize yourself thoroughly with those competitors. Read their literature and look carefully at their displays. Distinguish their displays: fabric abnner stands, pop up display boards, panel trade show booths, truss booths, fabric trade show displays, or custom graphic booths. Then use that competitive knowledge to gain more information. Talk to people, ask lots of questions, pay attention.
Some of the best information pertaining to your competition is from their customers. That´s one of the many good reasons to talk to as many people as possible at trade shows. Every prospect has possible information you need, even if they don´t want or need your products. Find out what are interests them, from whom they buy and why, how much do they purchase, when do they purchase and at what price.
The answers don´t have to result in a sale to be valuable. Scout new suppliers, scope out new and existing competitors, and even attempt to partner with allies and shop for other trade show venues -- all this by listening.
If you see your competitors´ materials in the hands of a visitor, ask them what they think of the company, its people and products. It never hurts to hear from decision-makers about what they believe is important. Moreover, people like to be asked their opinion. It makes them feel important. You´ll be surprised at just how much information some people are willing, and eager, to share. Ask them and they´ll probably tell you.
Exhibit trade shows understand that most of this information is never printed. So, we are ever ready to talk at length to our customers about how to secure and understand such information. Once all the information is assimilated you still have to prepare you booth space. Taking that into consideration there are a ways to separate from the pack: tradeshow booth graphics and trade show carpet.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Trade Shows on a Budget
The following is a great excerpt from an article I just read. It entails how to exhibit at a trade show on a budget.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or newbie to trade show exhibiting, you'll swiftly learn exhibiting at a trade show is a valuable way to showcase your wares to many new customers simultaneously. Though, whether you're tackling a major trade show or a smaller industry specific show, the show can be quite an expensive endeavor. Our author has been gracious enough to share a few tricks along the way to keep your budget in line.
Securing a space
First and foremost, you'll need to rent space. A standard 10x10 ft. space (typical size at trade shows) will run about $5,000 at a big show (PC Expo, etc.). At smaller shows, the rental cost can be less than half, or even free. Other additional expense may be carpeting(though this will most times set you apart from the crowd), furniture, and Internet access.
Display booths - buy or rent?
Besides the rental for your space you have the daunting task of stocking your booth with a display and/or accessories. If you are unsure of your future show itinerary ponder the notion of renting. You'll invest around $2,000- $5,000 to purchase a booth. But, rentals will lower that out-of-pocket cost $500-$900. Further, A Smash Hit Displays will apply the cost of your rental towards an after-the-show purchase. So, you enjoy the best of both worlds.
A Popup display or panel trade show exhibit can be as cheap as $3,000 for a basic 10-foot display. Alternative routes include fabric banner stands, backlit graphic displays, burst displays, and can run $250-$10,000.
Whether you buy or rent, customize your booth with tradeshow booth graphics to build your brand and give your booth extra curb appeal. We've seen it up close; eye banging graphic booths draw huge crowds.
Setting up
Remember you'll need to transport your display to the show.
If you ship directly there, the cost of delivery from the loading dock to your booth space, referred to as "dryage," will average about $20-$60 per 100 lbs. (it varies by city).
You can avoid dryage by having everything shipped to your hotel room and transporting them to the show yourself; your hotel and the trade show hall will likely have carts available.
Ask yourself whether you'll be using a computer for screen shots or demos? If so, bring your own equipment; renting devices at or around the show will cost big bling. And you can ship these beforehand as well.
Extras
Expect to frequent trade shows in the future? Consider investing in light equipment, like lighter pop-up booths i.e. Xpressions Pop Up, a space-saving flat-panel monitor (you can get one for as little as $1,000), or even accessories i.e. pedestal stands. Something to definitely make you stand out in the crowd is your own flooring like a digital printed carpet or a custom logo carpet which will run $600-$1600 for a 10' x 10' space.
In order to spare you from seeing 90% of your marketing material in the local trash bins, determine what you want visitors to remember about your business. Don't forget to include contact information and your Web address on every piece. And leave off event-specific information (like the show date or name) so you can reuse the leftovers.
Plan far in advance
Lastly, and we've covered this subject ad nauseum over the last few months, start planning a minimum six months in advance (some experts recommend as many as nine months) - at least in terms of your booth and space rental. If you begin with only a month to go you'll pay extra fees for space, inflated shipping costs, rush charges for creative work, and higher airfare.
Remember, A Smash Hit Displays is your local one-stop-shop for "all" your trade show needs and we also offer first rate consulting at no charge for all those industry specific questions.
Whether you are a seasoned veteran or newbie to trade show exhibiting, you'll swiftly learn exhibiting at a trade show is a valuable way to showcase your wares to many new customers simultaneously. Though, whether you're tackling a major trade show or a smaller industry specific show, the show can be quite an expensive endeavor. Our author has been gracious enough to share a few tricks along the way to keep your budget in line.
Securing a space
First and foremost, you'll need to rent space. A standard 10x10 ft. space (typical size at trade shows) will run about $5,000 at a big show (PC Expo, etc.). At smaller shows, the rental cost can be less than half, or even free. Other additional expense may be carpeting(though this will most times set you apart from the crowd), furniture, and Internet access.
Display booths - buy or rent?
Besides the rental for your space you have the daunting task of stocking your booth with a display and/or accessories. If you are unsure of your future show itinerary ponder the notion of renting. You'll invest around $2,000- $5,000 to purchase a booth. But, rentals will lower that out-of-pocket cost $500-$900. Further, A Smash Hit Displays will apply the cost of your rental towards an after-the-show purchase. So, you enjoy the best of both worlds.
A Popup display or panel trade show exhibit can be as cheap as $3,000 for a basic 10-foot display. Alternative routes include fabric banner stands, backlit graphic displays, burst displays, and can run $250-$10,000.
Whether you buy or rent, customize your booth with tradeshow booth graphics to build your brand and give your booth extra curb appeal. We've seen it up close; eye banging graphic booths draw huge crowds.
Setting up
Remember you'll need to transport your display to the show.
If you ship directly there, the cost of delivery from the loading dock to your booth space, referred to as "dryage," will average about $20-$60 per 100 lbs. (it varies by city).
You can avoid dryage by having everything shipped to your hotel room and transporting them to the show yourself; your hotel and the trade show hall will likely have carts available.
Ask yourself whether you'll be using a computer for screen shots or demos? If so, bring your own equipment; renting devices at or around the show will cost big bling. And you can ship these beforehand as well.
Extras
Expect to frequent trade shows in the future? Consider investing in light equipment, like lighter pop-up booths i.e. Xpressions Pop Up, a space-saving flat-panel monitor (you can get one for as little as $1,000), or even accessories i.e. pedestal stands. Something to definitely make you stand out in the crowd is your own flooring like a digital printed carpet or a custom logo carpet which will run $600-$1600 for a 10' x 10' space.
In order to spare you from seeing 90% of your marketing material in the local trash bins, determine what you want visitors to remember about your business. Don't forget to include contact information and your Web address on every piece. And leave off event-specific information (like the show date or name) so you can reuse the leftovers.
Plan far in advance
Lastly, and we've covered this subject ad nauseum over the last few months, start planning a minimum six months in advance (some experts recommend as many as nine months) - at least in terms of your booth and space rental. If you begin with only a month to go you'll pay extra fees for space, inflated shipping costs, rush charges for creative work, and higher airfare.
Remember, A Smash Hit Displays is your local one-stop-shop for "all" your trade show needs and we also offer first rate consulting at no charge for all those industry specific questions.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Natural Life of Brands
I've decided to make another entry concerning brands. Yesterday explained the importance of branding your goods or services. Today's article references how they have become a most valuable asset and about the four key characteristics for creating eternal brands.
Great product quality
This is a necessary but not sufficient characteristic. A brand will not survive unless it is rooted in a great product. Regardless of how unique the brand, the product has to deliver quality.
Get there first
Quality by itself is not enough. Often great brands own the central benefit of the category. All successful brands can successfully defend their market share.
Exploit brand strengths
Big enduring brands make the most of their strength in the market. From a branding perspective this means reminding consumers of their strength. Whether this is Coke reminding consumers that it is `the real thing' or Heineken communicating that it is the `number one imported beer' or BA claiming to be `the world's favourite airline' - it all comes down to success breeding success.
And finally ... the brand above all else
Any company that owns truly great brands has only achieved this because they live to serve the brand. This may sound extreme, but consider the first few lines of Coca Cola's Mission Statement: `we exist to create value for our share owners on a long-term basis by building a business that enhances The Coca-Cola Company's trademarks. This also is our ultimate commitment.'
For those of you out there attempting to create your brand or initiate branding for a new product or service, take a few moments time to read the attached article. In order to truly own your brand at your next trade show event, look at some convention displays by A Smash Hit Displays. These include Popup display, indoor banner stands, lighted graphic displays, and pinpoint trade show signage graphics and will further your quest to make your brand a long term success and separate you from the crowd at your next show.
Great product quality
This is a necessary but not sufficient characteristic. A brand will not survive unless it is rooted in a great product. Regardless of how unique the brand, the product has to deliver quality.
Get there first
Quality by itself is not enough. Often great brands own the central benefit of the category. All successful brands can successfully defend their market share.
Exploit brand strengths
Big enduring brands make the most of their strength in the market. From a branding perspective this means reminding consumers of their strength. Whether this is Coke reminding consumers that it is `the real thing' or Heineken communicating that it is the `number one imported beer' or BA claiming to be `the world's favourite airline' - it all comes down to success breeding success.
And finally ... the brand above all else
Any company that owns truly great brands has only achieved this because they live to serve the brand. This may sound extreme, but consider the first few lines of Coca Cola's Mission Statement: `we exist to create value for our share owners on a long-term basis by building a business that enhances The Coca-Cola Company's trademarks. This also is our ultimate commitment.'
For those of you out there attempting to create your brand or initiate branding for a new product or service, take a few moments time to read the attached article. In order to truly own your brand at your next trade show event, look at some convention displays by A Smash Hit Displays. These include Popup display, indoor banner stands, lighted graphic displays, and pinpoint trade show signage graphics and will further your quest to make your brand a long term success and separate you from the crowd at your next show.
The 10 Commandments of Branding
Should you want to learn the actual 10 commandments concerning "Branding" as written by an anonymous author then by all means peruse the attached article.
The reason I've addressed this article is due to our customers. It's not surprising any longer to learn from a new customer that they have virtually no branding when it comes to their services/goods.
Branding could be one of the more important marketing avenues for separating yourself from the pack. It's what people remember when they see your logo or hear your jingle. More importantly for those done correctly it aids you in attaining a person's short list. That list is similar for most when it comes to goods or services.
When a customer is ready to purchase or use some one's services they will most likely already have a short list of vendors with which they will contact. Branding allows you to ascend to that list or retain your ranking if already on the list.
When customers hear trade show display designs they think of us. We pride ourselves on our reputation for an easy negotiable website. Plus, when it comes to banner stands, pop up trade show, portable folding booth, truss trade show booth, xpressions exhibits, flex floors, and trade show lighting we are universally known as "the best price in the business". That's what building a brand can do for you as well. So, take a few moments to remind yourself of what your plan of attack should be concerning your own branding.
The reason I've addressed this article is due to our customers. It's not surprising any longer to learn from a new customer that they have virtually no branding when it comes to their services/goods.
Branding could be one of the more important marketing avenues for separating yourself from the pack. It's what people remember when they see your logo or hear your jingle. More importantly for those done correctly it aids you in attaining a person's short list. That list is similar for most when it comes to goods or services.
When a customer is ready to purchase or use some one's services they will most likely already have a short list of vendors with which they will contact. Branding allows you to ascend to that list or retain your ranking if already on the list.
When customers hear trade show display designs they think of us. We pride ourselves on our reputation for an easy negotiable website. Plus, when it comes to banner stands, pop up trade show, portable folding booth, truss trade show booth, xpressions exhibits, flex floors, and trade show lighting we are universally known as "the best price in the business". That's what building a brand can do for you as well. So, take a few moments to remind yourself of what your plan of attack should be concerning your own branding.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Guerilla Guide to Trade Shows
Before your next trade show exhibit, visit at least one show in the same industry. Pay particular attention to your competition and look for unusual or eye-catching displays. Realize to which exhibits you are drawn. Figure out why they stand out and catch your attention. Then, find a way to incorporate those kinds of ideas into your own booth. For its often the incorporation of ideas other than your own that kindle new ideas pertaining to your arena of interest or business. To learn the complete breakdown on guerrilla warfare trade-show style then please read the attached article.
A Smash Hit Displays often glean graphic ideas from other exhibits. We believe you should definitely know what your competitors are doing and what other ideas have made their way to the showroom floors. Besides the best graphic packages in the business, we offer eye-catching popup displays, fabric tension displays, truss displays, and trade show counters. We also create stunning digital flooring and custom logo interlocking tiles to add the wow factor for potential customers and put you head and shoulders above your competition.
A Smash Hit Displays often glean graphic ideas from other exhibits. We believe you should definitely know what your competitors are doing and what other ideas have made their way to the showroom floors. Besides the best graphic packages in the business, we offer eye-catching popup displays, fabric tension displays, truss displays, and trade show counters. We also create stunning digital flooring and custom logo interlocking tiles to add the wow factor for potential customers and put you head and shoulders above your competition.
Friday, June 15, 2007
One Face to the Customer
Do you want to make your selling easier, faster, and cheaper. Well then, build a brand. When doing so try and remember to present one face to your customer. For some companies present many faces to their market and their customers which can be quite confusing and threatening to a businesses future. A trend has been growing within our borders; a systematic erosion in the ability of a company's brand to attract prospects and maintain customers. This is most evident in companies where multiple business units sell to the same customer. In order to learn more about the subject please read the attached article in its entirety.
A Smash Hit Displays attempt to show one face in the form of our marketing and sales to all customers at all times. That face represents a united front when it comes to product quality when considering the likes of a fabric pop up display, truss wall, Xpressions Pop Up, backlit graphic exhibits, or even a custom tradeshow booth, and trade show signage. For when you make concessions or changes to your marketing message, it confuses your existing customer base as well as the potential customers. It is always best to be consistent with your marketing and sales messages and show your happy face at all times.
A Smash Hit Displays attempt to show one face in the form of our marketing and sales to all customers at all times. That face represents a united front when it comes to product quality when considering the likes of a fabric pop up display, truss wall, Xpressions Pop Up, backlit graphic exhibits, or even a custom tradeshow booth, and trade show signage. For when you make concessions or changes to your marketing message, it confuses your existing customer base as well as the potential customers. It is always best to be consistent with your marketing and sales messages and show your happy face at all times.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Getting the most out of Trade Shows
We'd all love to get the most out of our trade shows. Sadly, that's not the case in most instances. We hope after reading this retort and the attached article that you have a firmer grasp on how to do so.
As has been a recurring theme with our past month's articles: planning, preparation, presentation and follow-up are your four keys to getting the most out of trade shows.
Trade shows can be extremely effective outlets to showcase your products and services to large numbers of customers and potential clients. It's estimated 110 million people attend more than 4,000 shows in the United States and Canada every year -- and those numbers are also increasing. Surveys show that customers rate the importance of trade shows above trade magazine articles and regular sales contacts in terms of helping them make buying decisions. Most attendees are present because they of their purchasing influence. They want to see how your product works and what it looks like while evaluating the competition.
As an exhibitor, you want to use a trade show to secure existing business relationships, attain new customers and potential partners, and become familiar with opposition.
In order to learn the author's intent behind the four elements referenced above you'll have to read the attached article.
A Smash Hit Displays give our customers the best pop up exhibits, panel trade show display, trade show signage, not to mention our sexy fabric pop up displays that money can buy. Call or email us and we'll not only arm you with the best tradeshow signage and tradeshow pedestals needed, but the information in which to best prepare for your event.
As has been a recurring theme with our past month's articles: planning, preparation, presentation and follow-up are your four keys to getting the most out of trade shows.
Trade shows can be extremely effective outlets to showcase your products and services to large numbers of customers and potential clients. It's estimated 110 million people attend more than 4,000 shows in the United States and Canada every year -- and those numbers are also increasing. Surveys show that customers rate the importance of trade shows above trade magazine articles and regular sales contacts in terms of helping them make buying decisions. Most attendees are present because they of their purchasing influence. They want to see how your product works and what it looks like while evaluating the competition.
As an exhibitor, you want to use a trade show to secure existing business relationships, attain new customers and potential partners, and become familiar with opposition.
In order to learn the author's intent behind the four elements referenced above you'll have to read the attached article.
A Smash Hit Displays give our customers the best pop up exhibits, panel trade show display, trade show signage, not to mention our sexy fabric pop up displays that money can buy. Call or email us and we'll not only arm you with the best tradeshow signage and tradeshow pedestals needed, but the information in which to best prepare for your event.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Drive Media Interest at a Trade Show
Our author offers many tips on trade show preparation but for our sake we're going to focus on the media aspect. As most of you are already aware, trade shows are a vital component of most companies’ marketing campaigns. Especially for small businesses, trade shows are beneficial because they provide an opportunity to reach a multitude of potential new customers, investors, industry analysts and journalists over a very short period of time.
However, there is a kicker for most small businesses have limited resources. This means they must extract the most from each appearance as possible.
Extracting the most from each appearance means finding the best ways to secure media interviews. Planning ahead is key. Utilize the media list provided by show management, and send out mass emails to reporters and publications who'll be attending. If you are one of the unlucky ones whose show doesn’t supply a media list, search for past articles on the event and construct a list of publications and reporters. In most instances, the same reporter may be assigned to cover the show again. But, if not, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Initiate contact at least two weeks prior to the show. Remember, you have competition and need to separate yourself from the pack. Try offering breaking news or a unique angle that distinguishes your company from the other businesses.
Also important is securing speaking engagements; either as a keynote speaker or panel participant. Remember though, speaking engagements require planning and creativity, so start early and identify several themes within your comfort range. Try not to focus solely on topics directly related to your business for the most enticing speakers can go outside the box to grab their listeners attention.
A Smash Hit Displays often go outside the box when trying to create that perfectly fit trade show graphic, or outfit our customers with just the right tradeshow display portable display pop up or portable folding booth. Remember, the peripheral components can't be forgotten for often these acrutrements will etch your company in the customer's mind as opposed to your competitors. Such accessories include custom carpeting and portable tradeshow tables. But, before all these components try and attract that much needed media attention to have it work for you as opposed to your fellow exhibitors. Happy hunting.
However, there is a kicker for most small businesses have limited resources. This means they must extract the most from each appearance as possible.
Extracting the most from each appearance means finding the best ways to secure media interviews. Planning ahead is key. Utilize the media list provided by show management, and send out mass emails to reporters and publications who'll be attending. If you are one of the unlucky ones whose show doesn’t supply a media list, search for past articles on the event and construct a list of publications and reporters. In most instances, the same reporter may be assigned to cover the show again. But, if not, they should be able to point you in the right direction.
Initiate contact at least two weeks prior to the show. Remember, you have competition and need to separate yourself from the pack. Try offering breaking news or a unique angle that distinguishes your company from the other businesses.
Also important is securing speaking engagements; either as a keynote speaker or panel participant. Remember though, speaking engagements require planning and creativity, so start early and identify several themes within your comfort range. Try not to focus solely on topics directly related to your business for the most enticing speakers can go outside the box to grab their listeners attention.
A Smash Hit Displays often go outside the box when trying to create that perfectly fit trade show graphic, or outfit our customers with just the right tradeshow display portable display pop up or portable folding booth. Remember, the peripheral components can't be forgotten for often these acrutrements will etch your company in the customer's mind as opposed to your competitors. Such accessories include custom carpeting and portable tradeshow tables. But, before all these components try and attract that much needed media attention to have it work for you as opposed to your fellow exhibitors. Happy hunting.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Critical Issues for Exhibitors
The following critical issues exist for exhibitors before, during and after their trade shows.
Exhibitors should specify detailed marketing objectives they desire from trade show participation; a show should not be viewed as a separate event, but as part of their overall marketing process. Some of the pointers have been shortened, so for those who desire the full explanation reference the attached article.
Exhibitors should research and select the right show to achieve their objectives i.e. (shows that attract decision-making attendees interested in your product or service). Look carefully at the show's history, the companies that exhibit, and attendee profile information.
Make the participation decision with sufficient lead time to plan properly for the show. Our author volunteers 16 weeks is minimum time frame to take full advantage of the pre-show marketing opportunities and discounts.
Set specific, realistic sales objectives (e.g., number of qualified leads or new customers) for the show and plan strategies to achieve them.
Work with show management well in advance to find out requirements and restrictions, and find out what services they can provide (e.g., signage, rental of displays/furniture, hotel and transportation discounts, special entertainment or VIP services, pre-registration list of attendees for pre-show promotion).
Make sure you get a copy of the exhibitors manual and review it carefully.
Plan and purchase your tradeshow popup exhibit, truss walls, fabric trade show displays plus trade show counters combined with your folding trade show booth, since freight, both to and from the convention center as well as within the convention center, will be a major part of cost. Many convention centers allow companies to set up a tradeshow popup exhibit without use of labor.
Select and train booth sales staff.
Have a system in place for lead qualification and follow-up.
Being the premier tradeshow supplier, we offer as much guidance as our customers request for their upcoming shows. We are a resource of which many have taken advantage. Our expertise will help you conquer your trade show fears and allow you to achieve your trade show goals.
Exhibitors should specify detailed marketing objectives they desire from trade show participation; a show should not be viewed as a separate event, but as part of their overall marketing process. Some of the pointers have been shortened, so for those who desire the full explanation reference the attached article.
Exhibitors should research and select the right show to achieve their objectives i.e. (shows that attract decision-making attendees interested in your product or service). Look carefully at the show's history, the companies that exhibit, and attendee profile information.
Make the participation decision with sufficient lead time to plan properly for the show. Our author volunteers 16 weeks is minimum time frame to take full advantage of the pre-show marketing opportunities and discounts.
Set specific, realistic sales objectives (e.g., number of qualified leads or new customers) for the show and plan strategies to achieve them.
Work with show management well in advance to find out requirements and restrictions, and find out what services they can provide (e.g., signage, rental of displays/furniture, hotel and transportation discounts, special entertainment or VIP services, pre-registration list of attendees for pre-show promotion).
Make sure you get a copy of the exhibitors manual and review it carefully.
Plan and purchase your tradeshow popup exhibit, truss walls, fabric trade show displays plus trade show counters combined with your folding trade show booth, since freight, both to and from the convention center as well as within the convention center, will be a major part of cost. Many convention centers allow companies to set up a tradeshow popup exhibit without use of labor.
Select and train booth sales staff.
Have a system in place for lead qualification and follow-up.
Being the premier tradeshow supplier, we offer as much guidance as our customers request for their upcoming shows. We are a resource of which many have taken advantage. Our expertise will help you conquer your trade show fears and allow you to achieve your trade show goals.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Pre show marketing and post show follow-up
For those of you waiting for the next installment in our much anticipated trade show 101 series, we are saddened to exclaim it ended last week. Should you desire to review or peruse one of the "todo importante" daily installments, please reference our trade show archives.
As for today, we're off in a new direction. Heading to a trade show without advance reconnaissance is in most instances a waste of time and money. Pre-tradeshow marketing is essential to informing potential customers about your booth wares. To get off on the right foot, try asking the show organizers for a mailing list of people signed up to attend the event. At the minimum, send an announcement of your hours and your booth number to attendees. Further, let them know what you're selling/promoting/pimping, etc.
Taking that a step further, implement a two-part promotion: Send out half of a prize in your initial announcement, then reward the prospective clients on your mailing list with a second prize when they stop in at your booth.
It's a classic promotional gimmick — but surprisingly... it works.
Don't forget the press either. A good press release can elicit media attention for your industry trade press — and it's a most useful way to contact clients and prospects. In fact, should you have the resources for only one pre-trade show marketing effort, a press release may be your most cost-effective option.
Post-trade show follow-up is also essential to maximizing your investment. Upon returning from the show, send follow-up letters to the entire mailing list. Next, send the qualified leads you garnered at the show a more robust follow-up mailing package.
Finally, in my opinion and the author's, there's no substitute for an old-fashioned telephone call. It's the most powerful post-trade show marketing follow-up, and you should be sure to call every lead contacted at the event.
A Smash Hit Displays finds the follow-up is the easiest way to attain new customers for MOST don't return phone calls or emails. Should you require the peripheral products to outfit your booth like a banner stand, pop up display units, trade show signage, an extreme truss display, or adding that bling to make yours stand out i.e. digital printed carpet, then look no further. Our products combined with your pre and post show marketing will no doubt boost your time and resources and aid in attaining new customers!
As for today, we're off in a new direction. Heading to a trade show without advance reconnaissance is in most instances a waste of time and money. Pre-tradeshow marketing is essential to informing potential customers about your booth wares. To get off on the right foot, try asking the show organizers for a mailing list of people signed up to attend the event. At the minimum, send an announcement of your hours and your booth number to attendees. Further, let them know what you're selling/promoting/pimping, etc.
Taking that a step further, implement a two-part promotion: Send out half of a prize in your initial announcement, then reward the prospective clients on your mailing list with a second prize when they stop in at your booth.
It's a classic promotional gimmick — but surprisingly... it works.
Don't forget the press either. A good press release can elicit media attention for your industry trade press — and it's a most useful way to contact clients and prospects. In fact, should you have the resources for only one pre-trade show marketing effort, a press release may be your most cost-effective option.
Post-trade show follow-up is also essential to maximizing your investment. Upon returning from the show, send follow-up letters to the entire mailing list. Next, send the qualified leads you garnered at the show a more robust follow-up mailing package.
Finally, in my opinion and the author's, there's no substitute for an old-fashioned telephone call. It's the most powerful post-trade show marketing follow-up, and you should be sure to call every lead contacted at the event.
A Smash Hit Displays finds the follow-up is the easiest way to attain new customers for MOST don't return phone calls or emails. Should you require the peripheral products to outfit your booth like a banner stand, pop up display units, trade show signage, an extreme truss display, or adding that bling to make yours stand out i.e. digital printed carpet, then look no further. Our products combined with your pre and post show marketing will no doubt boost your time and resources and aid in attaining new customers!
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