Your company has just registered for a big trade show—but how can you make sure it’s a success?
A trade show marketing event is a fantastic place to network, meet potential new clients, and increase brand awareness. However, you need to be prepared.
One key to trade show success is having the right items and information to bring along. If you’re helping your company prepare for a trade show, keep reading to find ten essential items you must bring along—plus, why they’re important.
1. Business Cards
Marketing trade shows are all about networking, so don’t forget to pack your business cards! Personalized cards with your name and contact details will be useful for giving out to interested parties who approach your table.
You can also give them out as you visit with other stallholders, as business to business networking is always popular at trade shows.
2. Name Badges
When someone approaches your booth, it’s nice for them to know right away who they’re talking to. For this reason, you’ll want to bring along name badges for each employee who’ll be attending the trade show.
Reusable name badges are generally the best option, as they can be reused for the next event—click here to learn more.
3. Scissors and Tape
At trade shows, anything can happen—so you need to be prepared! Masking tape and scissors are important items to pack for your next trade show event.
Ripped poster? Carpet not laying flat? Unfortunately, things can go wrong at the worst possible times, so these tools will make it easier for you to make emergency repairs.
If you’ll need to pack everything up at the end of the day, they’re useful for that too.
4. Giveaway Items
Everyone likes a freebie. When planning for trade fairs and exhibitions, think about what items you can take along as giveaways.
Branded items, such as pens, keychains, and water bottles are useful gifts for attendees, but they also act as a subtle marketing tool. Make sure to include your logo and brand colors on all giveaway items, so that attendees think of your company each time they use the item.
5. Branded Tablecloth
You want your display table to look professional, so ditch the standard white tablecloth and invest in one custom-made for your company.
A branded tablecloth makes it clear who your company is and will help you stand out. Plus, if someone is seeking out your table, this will make it easier to be found from across the room.
6. Power Strip
Will you be bringing along your laptop or iPad? Or, will you need to charge your phone throughout the day?
If so, bring along a power strip and an extension cord. This will make it easier to plug in all of your devices.
Even if you’ve requested a stall with power, you won’t always get a power strip, so it helps to bring one along.
7. QR Codes
It’s a good idea to make a poster with your company’s social media handles, along with a QR code that they can scan with their phone. This will take them straight to your social media page, so they can then start following you.
Be sure your company has a solid social media presence though. If you don’t, know that social media is more important than ever—research shows that 71% of consumers who have a positive social media service experience with a company are likely to recommend them.
Promote your social media throughout the trade show to reach a new audience and help your company grow.
8. Sign-Up Sheets
If people come to your table, they’re likely to want further information or have questions. When this happens, you need a way to record their information so you can connect with them later on.
Print out sign-up sheets where attendees can write down their name and contact details. You might want to also ask them if they’d like to sign up for your mailing list.
You can also do digital sign-ups with your iPad or computer.
9. Water and Snacks
Even if the event is catered, you’re still likely to get hungry working behind the table all day. It’s a good idea to bring a refillable water bottle and some snacks in case you’re not able to sneak away for a break.
Depending on what you’ll be eating, consider also bringing some breath mints or your toothbrush—you want to make a good impression with everyone you meet!
10. Comfortable Shoes
At trade shows, you’re generally on your feet all day. This is going to be tiring, so make it easier on yourself by wearing comfortable, supportive shoes.
This will make it easier for your feet, legs, and back, especially when standing all day. When you’re behind the table, no one will see what shoes you’re wearing anyway, so don’t stress too much about your footwear—as long as you look professional, you’ll be fine.
Ensure Your Next Trade Show Marketing Event Is a Success With These Tips
You need to have the right tools to succeed, so be sure to pack the items above before your net trade show marketing event.
It can be helpful to put together an event pack, using a suitcase or boxes, in advance of the event, so that everything is ready for the big day. Remember, this event is a big opportunity and is sure to help your company get noticed, so make the most of it!
Did you find this article helpful? If so, please read on for more informative tips.
