Trade Show Marketing Ideas & Tips

Nimlok Trade Show Marketing Blog

Trade Show Sponsorship

by

Contract to exhibit in any trade show and you are offered trade show sponsorship opportunities galore. From your logo on the show program to the tote bags everyone carries and everything in-between. What exactly does it mean to sponsor an event? Sponsoring an event means that you (as the sponsor) offer money, products or services to support a trade show or event. In exchange, your company gains business exposure. How do you determine if a trade show sponsorship opportunity is right for your company? Is it really worth spending part of your marketing budget on such sponsorships?

Trade show booth with bright vibrant graphics showing trade show sponsorship options for giveaways at booth.

Sponsorship Statistics

According to Exhibitor’s 2019 Trade Show Sponsorship Survey which queried more than 200 face-to-face marketers, the vast majority of marketers currently invest in sponsorships. The survey revealed that the majority of exhibitors are investing in sponsorships of some kind. It also noted that the average spend is nine percent of their exhibit-marketing budget. This is quite a substantial portion of the budget. It’s important to determine if sponsorship is the right fit for your company.

[Read more…]

Selecting a Booth Design Company

by

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.

[Read more…]

To Speak or Not to Speak

by

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.

[Read more…]

Stretch Your Trade Show Budget

by

50'x50' island exhibit with custom hanging structures and brand-forward graphics.

Introduction

There is no way around it, exhibiting in a trade show can be costly. However, there are some things you can do to stretch your trade show budget. From booth space fees to drayage, electricity and more costs can add up fast. Since face-to-face marketing truly holds its place in the marketing world, trade shows are a required component for many marketing programs – after all, face-to-face is one of the most impactful ways to market! Keep reading to learn a few tips to make the most of your trade show budget.

How to Stretch Your Trade Show Budget

Evaluate the trade shows you exhibit in

Calculate your costs and your ROI, and determine if that trade show is truly a good fit. Does that particular trade show attract your target audience? If your ROI isn’t what it should be, or that trade show does not attract the right audience, it may be time to cut that show from your plan. You can use the savings to exhibit in a larger space at a show that provides better leads, or you can add another show in its place. You can research your competitors to determine trade shows that they exhibit in and see if any of those may be a good fit for your company. Read more about things to consider when choosing a trade show or event.

Plan ahead and order early

There are often early bird rates for securing your booth space. If you are certain you are exhibiting in a particular show, check the cut-off date for early-bird payment, this can definitely save some money. Once you pass this date, it is often more costly for the booth space. The same goes for any services you may need at the show such as internet, electricity, lead retrieval, labor, etc. Often if you reserve these services in advance, you save money. If traveling, booking your hotel and airfare a minimum of 3-4 months in advance usually helps save as well, however, that takes some planning and assurance in terms of staff that will staffing the booth. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll most likely pay a premium.

[Read more…]

Corporate Event Planning Tips

by

Group of people sitting as white desks with laptops and large computer monitor.

Corporate events are the perfect way to help your company reach its goals and objectives. Whether it’s customer growth and retention, a new product or service launch or customer education and awareness; these events can be major milestones for business growth. Nothing can replace the meaningful connections that are made through face-to-face marketing and communication. We’ll discuss corporate event planning tips and ideas to help you plan a successful event.

Corporate Event Planning Tips

Organization

Organization is key for any event. From planning, to budget, to execution to follow up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Being organized will help you plan and host a stellar event. Read on for corporate event planning tips!

Define your goals and objectives.

This will be the first step in the planning process. What is your goal for hosting this event? Are you promoting brand awareness, promoting a new product or service or focusing on customer retention and growth? The focal point of your event should be your attendees and their experience. Make sure you consider how your goal will fit into their overall experience. Once you have your goal in mind you can move on in the planning process.

Plan your budget.

Things to consider when planning your budget include venue, food and beverage, giveaway items, décor, etc.

Determine the guest list.

Based on your goals, who are you inviting to this event? Are they qualified leads, prospects, current customers or a combination of all? Determining your target audience will help you decide who to invite and will help with decisions of food, entertainment, venue, etc. Keep track of who RSVP’s so you know how many you’re planning for. Be sure to always plan for a few extra.  

[Read more…]