1. Pre-exhibition marketing
Getting people onto your exhibition stand doesn’t start at 10am when doors open. It starts way before then with your pre-show marketing strategy which utilises social media and email to inform your customers, prospects and email subscribers of your attendance at the exhibition.
2. Stand out with branded clothing
Every element of your visual presence should be designed to reflect both the quality of your offering and the strength of your brand. Break from the norm of wearing formal clothing on a stand and wear bright, branded tops. Plus, it makes it easier for delegates to identify who to speak to on a busy stand.
4. Your exhibition stand is your shop window
How many times have you walked past a stand wondering what on earth that company does? In a busy exhibition hall, you need to stand out and it needs to be clear within seconds what you offer. This is where some expert input and guidance on exhibition stand design and build comes in (that’s what we do by the way).
5. Action
Admit it, you’ve been to an exhibition and had stand envy. You wished you had the great idea of putting on something for people to do, whether it’s mini pitch and putt, roulette or magic tricks. Having something going on can be a big attraction and if you can find a natural linkage with what you offer, that’s even more powerful.
6. Stream video on your stand
In the B2B world, potential buyers always want to know who your customers are. It gives them a good indication as to whether your service may also work for them and everyone loves a bit of name dropping.
Take along a laptop or large LCD screen (it’s a business expense after all) and display your portfolio. It gives delegates something to look at and it’s also a useful talking point, particularly for staff who aren’t as experienced in engaging with exhibition visitors.
7. Smile
It sounds obvious, but it’s surprising how many people look bored or disinterested on their exhibition stand. This is your one shot at seeing your audience face to face and making a good impression. Smile, look friendly and approachable and make it count.
8. Play catch
Don’t you just hate it when stand staff come at you in the aisles! A unique way to approach people could be to gently throw something useful to them for them to catch, for example an orange, apple or small water bottle. If it’s branded, even better.
9. Useful branded giveaways
Notice the emphasis on useful, not useless, as this brand of promotional item will go straight in the bin. Pens are always a winner as exhibition giveaways and consider things like branded ‘to do’ pads, supermarket trolley coin keyrings, screen cloths and nail files (if a female-heavy audience like at a wedding show for example).
8. Exhibition exclusive offer
Provide attendees with a reason to sign up with you at the exhibition, whether it’s a reduced price, additional features or extended trial period. And don’t be afraid to extend the offer as part of your post follow up marketing.
10. Appeal to all their senses
How about ‘perfuming’ your exhibition stand? Olfactory marketing (using appealing scents to create a positive brand association) creates a difference and your clients remember your company by the ‘scent of it’.