Are you planning to have a display at an upcoming exhibition to promote your business? Read on to discover our 7 top tips to a successful exhibition event to make sure you are setting your business up for success.
1. CONTACT ATTENDEES PRIOR TO THE EVENT
Ask the event organisers for a list of attendees who registered for the event and contact them to create a buzz a few weeks prior to the exhibition. An email campaign is a great way to communicate and mention any giveaways and competitions and how visiting your stand will benefit them.
2. PROMOTE ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Have eye catching banners and images designed to promote on Facebook, LinkedIn etc. Don’t forget about your existing database, give them a reason to come back to you again and again!
3. PROVIDE A COMFORTABLE SPACE
Events can be overwhelming with the amount of visitors and people buzzing around. Ensure your stand space is easily accessible and welcoming for people to want to visit. Offering a drink or snack may give people another reason to stop and engage in conversation.
4. GREAT BOOTH DESIGN CAN MAKE OR BREAK
Ensure your stand is well thought out with your strategy and objectives for the event. Who do you want to visit your stand, what is your goal once they are there? A professionally designed, eye-catching stand can make or break your event, ensure your stand is appealing to visitors so they want to stop in. Branding on hard walls, table covers and pop up counters are great products to consider and can be used for many different future events.
5. ENSURE YOUR MARKETING MATERIAL IS PROFESSIONAL AND CURRENT
If your stand looks great but you are using brochures and catalogues that are out-of-date or you’ve thrown it together in-house, there is a chance of turning visitors off instead of attracting them. It is well worth the investment of having your marketing material designed by a professional graphic design studio. They know how to design to complement your branding, target market and give your material the WOW factor it needs to attract leads.
6. RUN COMPETITIONS OR OFFER GIVEAWAYS
Having something to give away to visitors or a competition to enter gives them another reason to stop at your stand. They may take away something with your branding which is further exposure of your business. Entry forms completed for a competition will also capture visitors info for your database for future communication.
7. FOLLOW UP IS KEY
Now you have the attendees list or contact info of those who have entered your competition. Don’t forget to follow up and keep the communication flowing. You may have a call list from discussions with visitors, so make sure you make those calls! Create a strategic email drip campaign to provide your new database with useful education and special offers. Visitors may not have bought from you at the event, but keeping the communication flowing will keep your brand top of mind, and when they are ready to buy they know who will be their first point of call!
