Before getting ready to exhibit at a physical trade show, check out these seven things you should consider and be aware of…
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Location
Should we get a booth in the center of the show floor? How about the outside edge? What about the traffic patterns? I don’t want to be too close to the food service, or an exhibitor that is loud and obnoxious. Of course, the bigger the booth or one in a premium spot will cost mega bucks. Isn’t it all about location?
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Watch Out for Those Hanging Around your Booth
Because of the cost, you will find some exhibitors signing up for the least expensive booth and then walking the floor looking for where the action is. They will scope out good spots and hang around to distribute their material. This way they get the best of both worlds…entrance at the lowest cost and exposure to the highest traffic. But, unfortunately for you, attention is taken away from your booth. And when you pay for a premium location, that’s not going to make you happy.
On the flip side, some exhibitors will invest in several booths together to increase their footprint. This can help them draw crowds, but potentially at your expense. If they have entertainment or games going on or a large staff attracting attention, and they are close to you, potential customers can be lured away.
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Bringing People with You
It’s best to have at least two people in your booth at all times. You don’t want to lose an opportunity to talk to someone because you’re tied up. Or what if you want to take a break…get something to eat or go to the bathroom.
It’s also a good idea to have people with varied expertise and disciplines from your organization. That way, if a prospect has a question, at least someone there should be able to help.
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Beware of Poachers
Bringing extra people with you can be beneficial when you need to have coverage. Someone can always be there to man the booth. That’s helpful in protecting your valuable equipment from theft. Unfortunately it does happen.
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Cost
We all know how costly it is to attend a trade show, let allow exhibit at one. Well, to make it all worth while you better be prepared. That means planning ahead of time and setting up early. Depending on the booth and equipment you bring with you will determine what extra tools you need to have on hand. Things never go as smoothly as you plan, so having extra tools, tape, cables, flash drives, batteries, etc. go a long way to overcoming the unexpected…but there again is the $$$.
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Travel
More money…flights, hotels, reservations, cancellations, the weather, lugging all that equipment half way across the country…what a hassle.
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Being away from the office
What about all the thing you have to do back at the office? And your clients that need attention? Precious time away. Headaches when you get back. Why do you need all this when you can exhibit at XpoCentral!
And all these things take the focus and attention away from what really matters… That’s you, your products and services, your expertise and the relationships you are trying to foster and build.
Setup your Trade Show Booth and Never Have to Break it Down Again
Let us help you build a permanent, virtual, 24 x 7 XpoCentral trade show booth, and then we’ll help you focus on the things that really matter! Check out how…