No one starts out an expert. If you are new to trade shows, no need to worry -- a few smart tricks will go a long way.
That's why we asked a panel of 10 entrepreneurs from the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC) for suggestions on how to have a successful first run.
Q. I am going to my first-ever trade show. What is one unique tip you have for making my booth stand out?
Their best answers are below:
1. Offer a Unique Giveaway
You need something to draw people toward your booth. Once they are there, you will have their attention to make your pitch. By giving away something unique that will draw attention, you will have a better chance to get people's ears.
2. Think Outside the Box
Focus on your value proposition, and come up with something that fits. In a past life, I had a product data synchronization company. So, I bought a bunch of large cardboard boxes (enough to fill a 20-foot booth) and stacked them in a unique way. I added some TV cutouts and logos, and it was a huge hit. Plus, everything packed flat and was recycled after the show.
3. Have Fun
The majority of people walking around the exhibit hall are looking for some sort of outlet to balance out the endless sessions and meetings they are participating in. Give them a breather. Become an attraction. Everyone is going to give away some $2 premium item -- don't make that the hook. Make the experience the reason everyone is talking about your booth, and they will flock to you. - Vinny Antonio, Victory Marketing Agency
4. Schedule Appointments Ahead of Time
Tradeshows can be like madhouses. Everyone runs around, and there is so much competition for attention. As silly as it may sound, momentum is critical in determining your success at a trade show. Schedule as many meetings as you can in advance of the show. The resulting crowd around your booth will beget more interested buyers!
- Aaron Schwartz, Modify Watches
5. Be a Charging Station
Bring a few power strips and chargers that support multiple devices as well as a high top table and three chairs to your booth. That's a captive audience. Bring the chargers to the talks, and you will make a lot of friends fast.
- Trevor Sumner, LocalVox
6. Be Bigger Than Life
A brilliant entrepreneur I know once gave me a tip that I've seen work countless times. On day one, hand out the same T-shirts your staff members wear at the booth. Make it known that anyone returning to the booth with that shirt on during day two will be entered into a prize drawing. The effect is that you look larger than life, and everyone can't help but notice your brand.
- James Simpson, GoldFire Studios
7. Talk to Everyone
I'm not a big believer in making your booth incredibly fancy. Rather, make sure your team is standing in front of your booth, and mingle with the people coming by. Don't hard sell any product; just strike up conversation like a normal person, and see where things go.
8. Make People Smile
Have some fun with it. Doing something that brings a smile to people's faces will help you to be remembered. Infuse some motion into your booth. A video demo is perfect to help attract attention and allow people to get information standing at a distance if they don't want to engage with a person. People are afraid of the hard sell, so a video will educate them first. - Andrew Howlett, Rain
9. Be Approachable
Don't take yourself too seriously. You should use open body language (don't cross your arms), stand up, make eye contact and smile at everyone you can. Stand in a way that allows people to come in and explore your product. You're trying to connect with people, so do your best to put your most fun and approachable foot forward.
- Sarah Schupp, UniversityParent
10. Sponsor the Conference Hashtag
If the attendees at your trade show use Twitter, you might consider using Twitter ads to sponsor the conference hashtag with an exclusive offer. That way, any time an attendee looks at the conference hashtag, they'll see your reminder to stop by booth #123 to chat with you about your offer. If there aren't enough people stopping by the booth and mentioning your ad, then stop running them.
