Why Do Companies Exhibit?
Exhibiting is one way to get in front of a large group of potential clients.
The question is being asked over & over these days if it’s worth investing in trade shows?
The answer is simple – Yes.
I don’t answer yes just because I am writing for Chicago Trade Show Displays and we sell exhibits. I have been reading and investigating the trends on trade shows for the past several years.
Trade shows are your stage for:
Building Brand Awareness
Increasing your database of leads
Producing visibility for products and services
So, the value in trade shows lies within your planning strategies:
Define your marketing objectives and Establish a trade show budget. Keeping track of your trade show marketing is essential in success. Online event management software can help keep all your details in one location and will give you comprehensive reporting to track all your trade show details.
The Why’s:
I have read many articles recently on the fact that trade show attendance is down, and many companies are pulling out of trade shows that have been long time exhibitors.
That may be true, but if you look at the facts, some of the largest, well know names are the one’s that have decided to stop exhibiting. Companies that are presently in the spotlight and have a very strong product recognition and are firmly standing within their market segments. A little more understandable that they may be readjusting their marketing dollars into something else right now. Trust me, they will be back on the trade show floor.
Companies are also sending more key players to trade shows, what does that mean? It means your product & services will be in front of the decision makers and the people that are looking for the solutions that your products and services have to offer. Putting your company in front of them now is crucial, they will be more focused on what they need to solve their problems.
Grabbing onto opportunities and marketing through the recession can be vital to your business plan. Tradetec Skyline believes firmly that marketing is vital to a businesses success and has recently released their Free Trade Show Rental Program to give exhibitors the opportunity to continue their trade show marketing.
Harry Klein
I have worked at countless trade shows for my clients over the past years. I own a shoe shine service that acts as entertainment for attendees, and I have to say that I have seen some really awful looking setups. I can’t understand why people would want to spend money and time and not do it right. The competition is fierce and I have seen many stands looking bland and practically vacant of traffic. This is a business of attracting traffic , if you can’t achieve that , then the whole venture is a waste of time. I have seen this too many times.
Karla Krause-Miller, CMP
I agree with these points. Many times trade show exhibitors blame the show for lack luster results instead of their inadequate planning. Exhibiting at a trade show requires alot more than having a booth and staffers. A comprehensive exhibit plan requires strategic and creativing planning. The company’s presence should begin with pre-show promotion, onsite activities and post-show follow-up. These efforts can be tailored for any budget, once it has been determined. Effective exhibiting is like a jigsaw puzzle – there are many pieces that need to fit tightly together to deliver a consistent and compelling message.
Promotional Products
I agree sometimes instead of blaming the site or trade show itself is a cop-out. If you have a quality display and attention grabbing material like giveaways and freebies it will at least bring potential clients to your booth, the rest is up to you.
Trade Show Promotional Items Expert
Customer interaction is important to running a trade show booth. They won’t just come to you if you’re standing there waiting, you need to engage your audience. Invite them into your booth, make them want to hear your presentation, and give them an exceptional experience. Doing these things will show your potential customer that you’re knowledgeable and interested in helping them achieve your clients goals.