Trade Show Branding
The end of 2018 probably means a few things for your business: yearly reports, holiday parties and business strategies for the new year. This may also be the time when you plan what trade shows your company will attend this upcoming year. Trade shows are a great opportunity to promote the company and your services to a large population of prospects.
Purpose of Attendance
After deciding what trade show(s) you will be attending next year, step two is to consider the purpose of your participation. It’s important to know what your goals are and what you’d like to achieve by attending this event. Trade shows are well-known for helping companies gain more leads, spread brand awareness and promote new products/services.
Lead generation is often the number one goal of attending a trade show. In those few days of attendance, you want to collect as much contact information as possible. Forms of data collection for trade shows include:
- landing pages that can be filled out in-person via tablet or computer
- traditional paper forms filled out by hand
You also want to post information about your company or offerings ahead of the trade show; this will allow interested prospects to speak with your staff on the day of your attendance.
Brand awareness is another popular objective for trade shows. You want to make sure that your brand stands out among all the other booths. This can be achieved by having well designed business cards, brochures and promotional products available to share with those who want more information. As well as a visually intriguing booth.
As your team works the floor, make sure they’re prepared to discuss the company’s values and details of products that you’re promoting. Clearly display your company logo on as much viewable material as possible.
Trade shows are the perfect place to showcasing new products/services. This is where your team can run demonstrations and generate excitement for your new products. You can do this by physically showing off a product, so consumers can have firsthand access to the product, as well as opting to have a slideshow or video ready for people passing by to view.
Booth Design
Trade show booths are an art form. It is important to make sure your section is easily identifiable so interested parties can find you without getting lost or frustrated. Clearly mark your space by using large signs or banners with your company name and logo.
Strategize far in advance what you need to create and bring with you.
- Printed materials: brochures, business cards, folders
- Digital materials: presentations on zip drives, tablets, laptops
- Display materials: Signage, table cloths, banners.
Be sure that important messaging is at eye level so they’re easy to read. Use consistent theme colors so people will associate those colors with your company.
Stick with a clear strategy when designing and planning for a trade show. The safest bet is to keep your booth simple and consistent. Have items to pass out and interesting promotional products that will make people want to stop at your station.
Promotional Products
Everyone loves free stuff! It is important to consider what promotional products you can bring to your trade show to give away to guests. They should entice visitors and draw them to your booth, as well as remind them of your brand after they leave. Learn more about promotional products that will give you brand an edge here.
Promote Attendance
Whether you’re a veteran attendee or new to the scene, it’s good to let people know that you’re attending a trade show. You want to announce that you will be there weeks, perhaps even months, before the show is scheduled to happen.
Use this preparation time to help with lead generation and brand awareness. The work starts before the trade show even begins.
Email your contact list to inform them that you’re attending a show or acquire the trade show’s list of attendees and send them a friendly informational note. Social media is a helpful tool to reach potential customers before or during the trade show.
Get an early jump on your 2019 Trade Show planning. Contact a Print Tech representative today to get started.