Trade Show Items

Being part of a trade show gives small business a chance to experience economies of scale and to mix around with the big guys. This may also be the most stressful period for the PR Dept. head as he will hope that R & D people will be able to bring out the latest prototype of the company’s new and “hot” product to a large audience. Top management may plan to use the trade show to increase profitability and market share.

Whenever a recession or volatility threatens the economy, companies immediately look at where they can cut budgets. Without much forethought, the first to hit the block is inevitably training, followed closely behind by marketing. Why? Both are viewed on the balance sheet as expenditures rather than income generators, so obviously they’re hot contenders for elimination.

Arrive early and stay late:

The best arrival time is partially determined by the schedule of press conferences, exhibitor briefings, interviews with prospective representatives, etc. At the very minimum, allow sufficient time to make certain yout stand is in order and your equipment is working.

Keep your exhibit staffed:

With the increase in number of tradeshows being held across the world, it has become imperative to check the trade shows’ credentials before you commit participation. Here are some quick tips on checks to ensure that you are not heading for a dud trade show:

1. Check previous history and years of experience including backing by any large industrial groups: This is the most obvious way to research on the event planners. Trade shows backed by large organizations would have greater availability of resources and marketing skills.

Do you feel uncomfortable when you’re in the trade show booth? Like folks are looking at you? Like you’re on stage? Got as little stage fright?

Well, folks are looking at you. Yes, it’s like you are on stage.Here are three quick tips to make you comfortable when in the booth.

If it were back in the day when people still used adding machines with paper, your office would be filled to the ceiling with literally miles of that little paper ribbon, you’ve run the numbers so many times. No matter how many times you’ve run them, though, there just isn’t enough money for a new trade show booth.

Before you give up and allocate what budget you do have into another round of direct mail - that won’t get results -, consider renting a trade show booth.