Trade shows can be the make-or-break point of many small companies. If you’re new to the business world, or if you just recently realized how important it is to have a trade show presence, you might be a little intimidated by the prospect. Trade shows are all about getting your brand name into the minds of your customers. To help you do this, we’ve made this guide on how to stand out from the crowd at a trade show.
Interactivity
Anyone can set up a booth at a trade show and talk the ear off the people who walk by. This method won’t help any potential customers retain the memory of your company. You need to do something that will be memorable. One of the benefits of interactivity is that it creates a positive experience that customers can pull from when they are thinking about the products or services your company provides. Some examples of this include:
- Brand-integrated games
- On-demand video displays
- Trivia quizzes
- Location-based phone app
Starting Before the Show
You don’t want to get to the trade show and simply hope that people will stop by. Instead, build up some hype around the fact that you’ll be at this particular trade show. You can do this in person by letting people know face to face, or you can use your social media platforms to generate buzz about your booth. Make people come to the trade show to see you specifically, and you’ll come out ahead much more often.
Improve Your Swag
Almost every company at a trade show will give something away to the people that stop by their booth. This is more than a simple courtesy; it gives the customer something to remember your company by. Plenty of other companies will be giving out simple items such as pens or mousepads, but you can really stand out by giving away something that everyone wants. Examples can include:
- Tote bags
- Steel tumblers
- Wireless phone chargers
- Bottle openers
- Journals
Make a Show of It
If you really want to know how to stand out from the crowd at a trade show, the key is to do something that potential customers can’t ignore like having trade show models who will give your brand an extra boost of appeal that will make people want to learn more about your products. When you really go all out with your ideas, you’ll pull people away from the more mundane booths and over to yours. Maybe you could set up a dunk tank for people to try, or you could give away free food for the first set of visitors. Whatever it may be, the point is to make it a spectacle. Outrageous showings like these are how you can really cement yourself into the minds of trade show patrons.