The Other Reasons to Exhibit at Trade Shows

When it comes to the justification for exhibiting at tradeshows, there is plenty of focus on marketing, lead generation and most importantly, sales. While these are definitely important benefits to exhibiting, there are several other very good reasons for companies to participate in trade shows.

The Investment Community

Companies of all sizes, whether public or private, need to consider that many investment analysts attend trade shows. Where better to gauge a company’s market position relative to their industry than at a show? Financial statements are not the only consideration when deciding on investments. Savvy institutional investors often walk the aisles of shows to better understand current positions and future potential of many different companies.

The Press

Some people may not believe it, but the press is actually present at shows more often than you think. In every industry, people want to see what’s up and coming and . In addition, the information that is published will more than likely be posted on the internet, allowing global exposure. Favorable press coverage can really help your marketing efforts and increase your brand awareness.

Recruiting

Many exhibitors don’t realize that their next event could lead them to recruiting new talent for their organization. When a company comes to a show with a new or larger exhibit, prospective salespeople or managers see a financially strong, growing company, and are much more likely to have interest in possible career opportunities.

Market Research

When a prospect comes to your booth, why not do some market research? The key here is to formalize the information gathered by asking questions that can help benefit your current offerings. The data you collect can provide valuable information for future product or service development.

While these reasons may seem less than enough to justify the investment of exhibiting at a trade show on their own, they all can add to your overall ROI. As such, be sure to consider all of the potential benefits the next time you consider exhibiting.

Outside of lead generation, what are some of the motivating factors that push your company to exhibit at trade shows and face-to-face marketing events?

SOURCE: Trade Show Insider’s Blog, AlexisExhibits.com

When Trade Show Conversation Etiquette Goes Bad… and How to Avoid It

We’re all capable of the occasional social blunder in many types of scenarios. The trade show environment is no exception to this either. Many exhibitors can probably tell you about conversation etiquette mistakes made while talking to show attendees. It happens to everyone from time to time but just because these mistakes happen doesn’t mean they can’t be avoided. All it takes is good judgment, a little maturity and a look at the most common conversation mistakes that tend to happen on the trade show floor.

Checking your phone

Technology has become a distraction for many and the phone is the worst offender. No matter how important a text, e-mail or news update may be, checking your phone during a conversation is one of the most insulting gestures. In some countries, the “phone check” is actually punishable by death… seriously. A good rule of thumb for your next event is to avoid using your phone all together when working at your booth. This will prevent you from making this conversational faux pas.

Not knowing your audience

While every show you attend will cater to a specific industry, it’s important to avoid a generic sales pitch for your audiences. Instead, embrace the fact that each conversation you have will give you the opportunity to custom-tailor a solution for the person you’re speaking to. A rehearsed pitch will only have a negative impact on your brand’s credibility.

Talking from your seat

Nothing is more intimidating to a trade show attendee than approaching a table of seated exhibitors. If you find yourself exhibiting behind a table, the best strategy is to stand up when a visitor approaches and talk to them from that position. By doing this, the visitor will feel like you appreciate their presence and he or she will feel more comfortable to keep a conversation going with you.

Cursing

The occasional use of profanity is certainly acceptable in the right situation, but try to avoid using it when conversing with visitors at your booth. Swearing will always come off as tasteless so make sure to keep things PG with your trade show audiences.

Looking over their shoulder

Nothing is more disrespectful than your eyes drifting off over the shoulder of a visitor you are speaking too, as if you are scoping out other prospects before you even finish speaking to them. Even if a conversation feels like it’s going nowhere, it’s important to give the visitor your full attention until they finish speaking for the sake of respect.

Monopolizing the conversation

I’m fairly certain most trade show attendees don’t want to listen to a company’s representative rant and rave about their brand’s illustriousness. First off, it will deter any visitor’s interest in the company because they’ll automatically think the exhibitor has no interest in their individual needs and secondly, it’s just obnoxious. Avoid any kind of sales pitch all together and focus on just having conversations with show attendees.

Interrupting

This is one of the biggest conversation etiquette mistakes, committed by everybody at one time or another. The easiest way to avoid it is simple: just listen. When a visitor comes to your booth, it’s critical to listen to what they have to say and assess the best response. By offering a personalized solution based on what they say, you’re bound to turn them from a visitor to a client. Remember to just listen. It will benefit you in the long run.

SOURCE: MintLife.com