It’s showtime! After months of preparation, your booth is set up, and your team is ready to shine. But remember, the work doesn’t stop here. To make the most of your trade show experience, you must deploy some sharp at-show marketing tactics that keep you on top of the game.
Here are 10 At-show marketing tactics to use at every trade show you exhibit at:
1. Effective Staffing
Nothing turns a great booth into a memorable experience like a stellar team.
A whopping 80% of attendees remember booths thanks to their interactions with the staff, according to the Center for Exhibition Industry Research (CEIR). Make sure your team is not only knowledgeable but also proactive, engaging, and ready to answer any questions.
Learn more on 7 qualities of great booth staffers here.
Additionally, all company representatives should wear uniforms or branded clothing to make your team easily identifiable and promote brand consistency.
2. Attract the Right Audience
A crowded booth means little if the crowd isn’t suitable for your brand. Don’t expend energy and time on individuals who have no interest in your brand.
To attract your target audience, create compelling booth graphics that clearly state who you are and what you do. Clearly communicate your brand’s message and value proposition to those who are walking by quickly.
3. Collect Leads
Use tablets or touchscreen kiosks to let attendees enter their details directly. This not only saves time but improves accuracy, streamlining your post-event follow-up.
Offer valuable resources like white papers, case studies, or industry reports in exchange for contact information.
4. Interactive Elements
Create interactive experiences that are engaging and relevant to your target audience’s interests and needs. There are many ways to do this.
To engage visitors:
- Consider augmented and virtual realities, touchscreen tables, and live demonstrations.
- Create fun, competitive environments with prizes related to your business to draw attendees and capture lead information.
- Set up a themed photo booth or a creative backdrop that encourages attendees to take photos and share them on social media, tagging your brand.
5. Social Media
Why wait until after the show to engage? Share live updates, photos, and videos directly from the floor using the event’s official hashtag.
Reveal your booth location in real-time and tease giveaways, keeping your followers in the loop every step of the way. Live updates are also significant in engaging attendees who cannot attend in person.
The most effective way to do this is to have a designated staffer to gather content to ensure it is taken care of.
See 11 ways to promote your trade show booth on social media here.
6. Sponsorship Opportunities
Consider sponsoring a segment of the event that aligns with your business goals to increase brand visibility among the right attendees.
Common options include sponsoring keynote speeches, educational sessions, lounges, Wi-Fi, or even the official event app. You can even sponsor physical spaces like lounges or refreshment areas and use these opportunities to display branded items such as napkins, cups, or furniture covers.
Each sponsorship is an opportunity to flaunt your brand and reach a wider audience.
7. Product Demonstrations and Presentations
Present a problem that an attendee may not have known they even have. This is a good segway into booth staff answering any questions attendees have. Live product demonstrations of your products can also create buzz and attract crowds.
Show how your products or services solve specific problems faced by attendees.
Provide valuable information through seminars, workshops, or presentations that address current industry challenges or trends relevant to your audience. Most attendees attend trade shows to learn about industry, products, and trends.
By having experts give talks on relevant industry topics, you can position your brand as a thought leader.
8. Giveaways
According to Trade Show Labs, more than half (52%) of the attendees are attracted to exhibits that offer giveaways or freebies.
Provide memorable and practical branded items that attendees will use, keeping your brand in their minds even after the event. Also, give away something valuable and relevant to your industry or product.
Don’t waste money on useless SWAG going straight to the trash can. Pick a promotional item that will appeal to your desired customer.
9. Influencers and Bloggers
Collaborate with industry influencers to promote your trade show presence to their audience.
Use the content created by influencers during the trade show on your channels. This could be reposting their social media content or incorporating their videos or blogs on your website. Provide influencers with special offers, discounts, or samples they can share with their audience as giveaways or exclusive deals.
Read more on how to collaborate with influencers: https://www.tradegroup.com/influencer-marketing-how-to-collaborate-with-influencers/
10. Special Offers
Create exclusive, show-only deals that urge on-site decisions.
Make it clear that these offers are not available before or after the event, compelling attendees to make immediate decisions.
Examples of special offers at a trade show could be bundle deals, upgrade promotions, first access to new products, loyalty rewards, etc.
By implementing these dynamic at-show marketing tactics, you enhance the visitor experience and significantly increase your chances of turning booth visits into lasting business relationships. So, gear up, get creative, and turn that trade show into a landmark success for your brand!
For more insights and award-winning event strategies, contact our team of event specialists to design the perfect exhibit to amplify your brand. Connect with a team member here or give us a call at (800) 343-2005.
