8 Essential Tips for Surviving Your First Trade Show

Getting ready for your first trade show and feeling nothing like the expert you are? Don’t worry. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be a pro in no time.

1. Choose the Right Show

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For your first trade show, you should aim for a well-known event that’s specific to your industry and reasonably close to your office. Taking a day to attend a trade show means that’s time you’re not at the office handling your other responsibilities. Before you start looking through trade show tips, you need to plan ahead and scout out shows that seem like good opportunities.

2. Make Travel & Hotel Arrangements ASAP

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It can be risky to book a hotel before you’re sure that you’ll be attending a trade show, but the minute you reserve your spot at an event, it’s time to start looking into travel and hotel arrangements. It’s not uncommon for hotels to offer discounted rates to people who are attending a convention, but there’s usually a limited amount of these rooms, so the sooner you can book your room, the better. Also, be sure to calculate travel costs, including any per diems you’re giving to the staff that’s working your booth at the show.

3. Have a Plan for Transporting Show Materials

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Designing your trade show booth and merchandise isn’t the end of the battle. You also have to get them to the show. After you have an idea of how much space your materials will take up, it’s time to plan how you’ll get them to the event. You might be able to fit some items in the trunk of a car or your team’s carry-on bags, but you’ll probably have to ship the booth. Also, make sure that someone on your team knows how to put everything together once you get there. Instead of dealing with all of these hassles, it might be a better idea to rent a trade show exhibit.

4. Dress Well but Not Too Formally

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Although there are some more formal exceptions, most trade shows have a professional but relaxed atmosphere. Try to dress in a way that’s appropriate for your profession, which can be as simple as dressing the way that you do every day at work. When in doubt, collared shirts in company colors or other clothing that has your company’s logo on it is a great way to stay on brand while being dressed appropriately.

5. Never Miss an Opportunity to Incorporate Branding

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Trade show attendees know that they’ll walk away from almost every booth with branded swag. Whether you plan on giving away pens, office supplies, or samples, make sure that they are branded with your logo. That way, if any of the prospects you spoke to use your merch, your brand will be the first thing that pops into their heads.

6. Invite the Right Staff Members

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Whether you’re a manager, an employer, or a non-management employee, you’ll need a good feel for the different personality types around the office if you’re picking the team that’s going to a trade show. Although it can be tempting to choose the highest-ranking members of the staff, you’ll want people at the booth who are outgoing and able to explain your products’ benefits clearly.

7. Attract Attention by Being Creative

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It goes without saying that everyone at a trade show is trying to stand out. It’s your job to be even more creative than the rest of them! Whether it’s with dazzling lights, interactive presentations, or a contest, there has to be something about your booth that breaks up the show’s monotony. At the same time, don’t let your attention-grabber be so overwhelming that it distracts potential clients from your products.

8. Don’t Forget to Follow Up

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After a successful trade show, it might seem like all of your hard work is over. But really, it’s just beginning! Following up with potential clients after a trade show is crucial. This includes carrying out any promises you’ve made during pitches or presentations, contacting any prospective partners you’ve come in contact with, and answering any questions you’ve received after the show.