5 Tips for Successful Conventions

More Successful Conventions
No matter how small or large, exhibiting at a convention costs money and you want to make certain you and your employees get your money’s worth. Here are 5 tips to increase your success at your next show!

1. Keep Connections Alive. This is a perfect time both socially and professionally to keep in touch with friends and colleagues. Call your clients ahead of time and tell them you’ll be there and invite them to stop by your booth. As new prospects drop by collect their business card and when they walk away, use the back of their cards to write a reminder note about something you discussed when them at the booth. You’ll be many steps ahead of the competition and make a great impression when you talk with them again.

2. Prepare Ahead. Information about exhibitors (competitors) is usually available ahead of time so find out who will be there. Smart exhibitors send out invitations to drop by their booth for a special gift or prize (one more valuable than the little pens and gifts passed out to the masses). Make sure you have plenty of business cards. Consider having special business cards just for shows that list all your products on the card. It makes it easier for the prospect to slip your card into their pocket and when they find it they’ll see what you have to offer. A fold over business card is perfect for conventions and even social events.

3. Trade Show Espionage. Not planning on having a booth? You can still attend and you’ll be freed up to walk around amidst your competitors and see what they’re offering and how they are presenting themselves to your clients and prospects. Wander past the booths that are attracting the most foot traffic and take notes – so you’ll know what to do next time!

4. Do Freebies Work? Yes. Give-aways at booths generate more leads and don’t hurt the quality of the leads. It’s funny to imagine that a yoyo or a pen can influence thousands of purchasing decisions and dollars, but that’s just human nature. The personalized gismos and the unusual give-aways are always attention attractions. Keep in mind it doesn’t have to be a walk away prize– one client had a shoeshine guy at their booth, another client had a caricatures artist at their booth and still another had a slot machine that paid prizes.

5. When it’s over! Sort through your notes and material. . Consider the business cards you’ve collected as gold! Send each of them a thank you for visiting your booth and include information about your firm.

For more information contact us direct at 714 992 4383 X 104. Advertising Plus, Inc.