Trade Show Marketing Ideas & Tips

Nimlok Trade Show Marketing Blog

Trade Show Follow-Up Strategies

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Trade shows are one of the best and thriving face-to-face marketing strategies. There is nothing that replaces meeting face-to-face. That’s why trade shows and events are still one of the strongest forms of marketing. Although an expensive way to market, the return on investment can be tremendous. As an exhibitor, you feel a sense of relief and accomplishment once you have a successful trade show. However, it’s important to understand that once the trade show is over, your work has only just begun. The power is in the trade show follow-up.

Gmail screen of email for trade show follow up

With your goals/objectives in mind, you should have a concrete way of determining success. Here are some tips for your trade show follow-up strategy.

Reach Out

Make it a priority to email & call booth visitors so that you can follow-up and provide them with what was promised. But by doing so, add leads and notes to your CRM and continue the conversation had on the show floor. The more detailed information that can be added about each lead into your CRM database will make your follow-up more effective and your sales team more successful.

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Trade Show Success Tips

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Exhibiting in trade shows can be costly. It’s important to do everything possible to ensure your success. Whether it’s your first time exhibiting or your 100th time, these trade show success tips will help you get the most out of your face-to-face marketing efforts.

Beautiful booth design incorporating trade show success tips.

Trade Show Selection

Be sure that you have thoroughly researched and possibly even attended the trade show in advance of exhibiting. This will provide you with the information needed to be sure that the show is a good fit for your company. View upcoming trade shows to help you decide!

Budget

Create and stick to a budget. There are a lot of costs associated with exhibiting so be sure you know what to expect. Use the trade show budget tool to help you effectively budget and know what to expect.

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Generate Quality Trade Show Leads

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Qualified Trade Show Leads (people) visiting a trade show booth

Let’s face it – face-to-face events and trade shows can be costly. In fact, face-to-face marketing encompasses a large percentage of most marketing budgets. It makes sense that getting the best return on investment, or ROI is essential. One of the best ways to gain ROI is through qualified lead generation. According to CEIR: The Spend Decision: Analyzing How Exhibits Fit Into the Overall Marketing, states that 81% of trade show attendees have buying authority, which means that 4 out of 5 people walking the aisles are potential customers for exhibitors. Making the most of every booth visit to generate qualified trade show leads can yield a level of ROI if you follow the tips below.

Is It the Right Trade Show?

One of the most important aspects of exhibiting at a trade show is to be certain you have selected the right trade show to participate in. Once you have a few options of trade shows in mind, do your research.

  • Research show statistics and demographics to determine if the attendees are your target audience.
  • Research the history of the trade show. Is it a newer trade show or has it been around for several years? This could impact number of attendees and overall success.
  • How well is the trade show publicized?
  • Is the show gaining in # of attendees and exhibitors year over year? You may not want to invest in a declining show.
  • Ensure there isn’t another conflicting event that your target attendees might be attending.
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Selecting a Booth Design Company

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15' x 25' trade show exhibit designed by a trade show booth design company with bright white graphics and open space.

You only have one chance to make a first impression.  Choosing the right trade show booth design company can make it a good one.  It makes sense that when you are exhibiting in a trade show, your chance to make a first impression is primarily in your trade show booth design. Trade shows are a traditional face-to-face marketing strategy used by many businesses. Trade shows have been taking place since the 1960’s and 70’s and are still one of the most valuable ways to sell, market and build relationships. In fact, trade show exhibition can generate more leads, increase brand awareness and drive sales. If planned and prepared for correctly, the return on investment can be tremendous. 

In order to make that great first impression, stand out on the trade show floor and make an impact against all of the other companies exhibiting, you need a reliable and experienced trade show booth design partner.  By partnering with the right trade show display company, you can rest assured that you will have the expertise and support needed that falls in line with your design idea, budget and timeline.

There are a lot of factors that should be considered when selecting a company for this partnership. Your trade show booth display will account for a large portion of your trade show budget, so you want to be sure you are partnered with an expert who will help you meet your budget and timeline goals for your exhibit design. Here are some things to look for and to consider when choosing a trade show display partner.

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To Speak or Not to Speak

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Why you should pursue speaking opportunities at trade shows and industry events.

Image of back of man standing in front of a room of seated people speaking at a trade show event

There are several ways that you can boost your return on investment at trade shows and industry events. In this article, we will discuss why applying for and considering speaking opportunities at trade shows or industry events is one great way to maximize your return.

Thought Leadership

Speaking at a trade show or industry event highlights and increases your thought leadership and credibility. This positions not only you, but your company, as experts in the field. This gain in credibility helps to reinforce your company to existing or former customers and introduce your company to new prospects. This type of thought leadership can put your company at an advantage over the competition.

Demonstration

When you are speaking, you also have the opportunity to demonstrate how your product or service can benefit current and prospective customers. You have the un-divided attention of the audience. At your trade show booth, you typically only have a few seconds to a few minutes to engage the prospect and educate them about your company.

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