Trade Show Templates

Trade fairs often involve a considerable marketing investment by participating companies. Costs include space rental, booth design and construction of trade show displays, telecommunications and networking, travel, accommodations, and promotional literature and items to give to attendees. In addition, costs are incurred at the show for services such as electrical, booth cleaning, internet services, and drayage (also known as material handling). Consequently, cities often promote trade shows as a means of economic development. An increasing number of trade fairs are happening online, and these events are called virtual tradeshows. They are increasing in popularity due to their relatively low cost and because there is no need to travel whether you are attending or exhibiting.

Use these 6 ideas to give you the boost you need to make your next event a remarkable one.

1) Make Your Booth Unique
Trade shows are a large investment in both money and time. If you’re going to make the investment in a trade show, the first item you should spend your money on is a booth that will stand out. Investing in an expensive booth that you can use and re-use for years to come is the best option. If you’re going to be cheap about your booth selection, you may need to look at another avenue of marketing.

2) Invest in Great Promotional Items
There is no arguing that the promotional items you select will impact your overall ability to attract attention and create buzz around your trade show presence. You most likely won’t be generating positive buzz with crappy pen giveaways. Investing in promotional items that are as unique and as high quality as your offering is the key. If you’re worried about the cost, keep in mind that everyone doesn’t need to get the “big prize” (more on this next). Have some quality, relatively inexpensive (not cheap) items that you are will to give out to attendees.

3) Host a Game (With Prizes!)
If you have a fun game in your booth relevant to your industry, while your competing entities down the aisle have nothing but brochures, where do you think people will end up? Make sure that your games have an element of fun and attracts positive attention. Don’t forget to take advantage of this opportunity to collect information. Have attendees sign-up to participate. This will allow you to build a list that can be used after the event.

4) Demo Your Product (or Service)
If you are spending money on a trade show appearance, hopefully your product, or service is valuable and unique in the market. Think of the trade show attendees as recurring sales calls. If they are your target market, it’s time to demonstrate your value and show why they should award you their business. If you have a product, or service that can be demoed, show its realtime value. Think of it like a mini-infomercial. Focus on the value you can offer to the audience, not the features. If you can make it hands on, do it. The more involved the audience is, the better.

5) Use Technology
Many modern technologies can be applied to the trade show environment to give an exhibitor the upper hand. Recently, digital signage and interactive touch screens have been increasingly incorporated into trade show booths as a way to attract attention and display value. These elements can be used to show processes, educate consumers, showcase testimonials and many other functions that can differentiate an exhibitor on the trade show floor.

6) Stay Active on Social Media
Although trade shows are an “in-person” event, that doesn’t mean that social media can’t play a part in your overall trade show effectiveness. Active social media participation during the show can help you connect and resonate with two different audiences — attendees, and those who couldn’t make it. Those at the trade show can discover that you are there, and if you do it right, you can demonstrate that you are worth checking out.

Trade Show Templates                         

Sales & Marketing Templates
The collection of sales and marketing templates can also be accessed below:

Sales Plan	Marketing Plan	Alternate Channels	Sales Presentations
Sales Proposal	New Product Launch	Trade Show