Maximizing Your Trade Show Budget
Today more than ever exhibit managers are being forced to produce big impact shows with shoe-string budgets. The pressure to produce innovative and functional exhibit experiences with little or no money can really put everyone involved into a corner that could at first seem to be a monumental task. There are a few things you can do to reduce cost and get the results you want at your next trade show event. Who says that smaller exhibit spaces mean smaller results?
Exhibitor Pre Show Marketing
Some good pre show planning is a good place to start. Ultimately your goal is to attract qualified prospects at your show, and you would be surprised how some pre-show canvasing will boost your brand awareness. Here are a handful of tips on how to succeed with pre-show planning
1. Thoughtful and targeted marketing to your potential prospects will at the very least make them aware that you are attending. Not only are you educating prospects on your brand and products, you are gaining visibility that will help drive traffic to your exhibit space regardless of your diminished exhibit space.
2. Messaging that targets new prospects as well as current users: It is always good business to keep in contact with your client database and a valuable resource to gain insight to their growing needs. By taking this information you will be able to speak to exactly what they are interested in, increasing your show floor traffic and gaining more attention.
Trade Show Exhibit and Event Properties
There are multiple cost effective exhibiting systems that are not commonly seen, giving you a visual edge on surrounding cookie cutter systems. Be aware of your booth space and show rules for any advantage you can exploit to benefit your targeted messaging.
Trade Show Exhibit Graphics
Smaller 10×10 – and 10×20 – foot exhibits are often uninspired, unoriginal, and relatively less successful in comparison to larger trade show booths. But that doesn’t have to be the case for your space! Remember your thinking outside of the booth space to increase your success. Your staff has rehearsed, you have messaging that targets new prospects, and clients looking to upgrade. Your pre-show marketing has been working all angles from phone calls, emails, and social media outlets.
1. Spending a little more time on quality messaging and imagery can take the smallest exhibit property to new heights! As a matter of fact you can save a good deal of money if you are not late in producing your graphics.
2. Get started early so your not rushing, work with professional agencies or graphic designers to create outstanding and thoughtful designs to grab the attention of attendees at the show.
3. Make sure that there is a definite tie in to your pre show marketing materials so it is easy to spot your exhibit space and easily be seen.
Trade Show Booth Staffing
Enthusiastic and qualified staffing for your exhibit space can make or break your show. It is critical that you have the enthusiasm and knowledgable staff that will take those hard earned prospects and convert them to meeting or further contacts.
1. Have your staff practice conversations, and make sure their body behavior lends itself to a very positive experience for the show.
2. Avoid the typical mistakes such as eating in the booth space, slouching, texting and other types of behavior that can send the wrong message to show attendees.
3. It only take a few qualified and motivated booth staff members to really make a small space a big hit!
Make the most of your budget by being prepared and starting early. Now you will have the time and tools to make the most of your budget! If your exhibit is a big hit this year, chances are that your budget will increase for your next show.
