Ben Camerota
Ben Camerota is the President of MVP Visuals, suppliers of custom branded displays for trade shows, retail promotion and corporate events
8 Foolproof Ways to Make an Impression at your Next Trade Show
May 7, 2016
Forty-six percent of decision-makers attending trade shows determine what to purchase during the course of the event. If you can deliver a strong impression during your next trade show, you stand a better chance of selling your products to those in attendance - making the trade show well worth your investment of time and money. To stand out from the rest, use our 8 foolproof ways to make a great impression.
1. Invest in displays and custom tents.
If you have a colorful, branded trade show booth, visitors will be drawn to your display. Investing in custom tents, banners, flags, and custom tablecloths or spandex table covers makes your booth look polished and professional.
If you are new to trade shows, this is one of the best ways to make your brand look bigger and more established than it is.
2. Send your best reps.
Put your best, most charismatic and knowledgeable people at the trade show to maximize your effectiveness and reach. This is simple, yet many businesses fail to do it.
To help your reps convince and connect, provide them with product literature and coach them on demonstrations. They will reward you by showing off your products in the best light.
3. Practice your pitch.
In the lead-up to the trade show, write your pitch - and practice it. When staff have a script for product pitch, FAQs, product demos, and more, they'll be confident and charismatic at the show.
4. Have a freebie or giveaway.
Freebies or giveaways entice attendees to give you their contact information. They also draw crowds to your booth, which generates more interest.
5. Make your booth feel welcoming.
Just as you might feel tired during the course of a long show, so do attendees. If you make your booth feel welcoming by incorporating a lounge space, you will naturally attract people who want a short break.
When people are sitting down, they'll take in more of your pitch or demo because they're comfortable, and they'll walk away with a positive impression of your brand.
6. Keep the booth open.
A rookie mistake is to set up your booth to actually deter users from coming inside. By putting a table across the booth's front you create a bottleneck. Make sure you have enough of an opening to welcome users inside.
7. Don't overlook lighting.
If you've ever walked away from a trade show booth because you can't even see the product on demo, then you know the harmful impact of poor lighting.
For peace of mind that your products will look their best in any convention center, buy inexpensive, bright LED lights. Use these to spotlight your booth or shine on your products.
8. Post social reminders.
It can be easy to ignore social during the event, when you're handling booth traffic.
Yet you can actually drive more traffic to the booth by tweeting with event hashtags, sharing demo videos, and posting trade show reminders on your social channels.
Trade shows are time intensive, but high preparation rewards you with successful lead generation and sales during the event. Leave yourself and your events team enough time to implement these 8 tips before your next trade show. You'll be rewarded with positive press.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is renowned for its exceptional service and diverse venue options across Las Vegas, Detroit, Springfield, National Harbor, Biloxi, and Atlantic City, providing flexible spaces for meetings of any size. Beyond these offerings, MGM Resorts distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to social responsibility and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for your next meeting.
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Protecting Natural Resources
MGM Resorts is home to industry-leading recycling, renewable electricity and water conservation programs. Some highlights include a cogeneration power plant at ARIA, producing ultra-efficient electricity; one of America’s largest contiguous rooftop solar arrays atop the convention center at Mandalay Bay; and onsite wells that provide water for the celebrated Fountains of Bellagio, avoiding reliance on precious Colorado River water. These efforts and many more save on natural resources while boosting attendee satisfaction.
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Always striving to be good neighbors, MGM Resorts works to avoid food waste and combat food insecurity with the Feeding Forward program. In partnership with local food banks, they safely divert unserved food to food insecure members of the community. Since 2016, over 5 million meals have been provided, highlighting MGM Resorts' commitment to minimizing food waste and addressing community needs.
MGM Resorts supports clients in their responsible-meetings efforts, not only with efficient venues but also waste-reducing décor and signage; sustainable food and beverage options; and outreach to help planners communicate sustainability efforts to attendees. What’s more, they offer a Mindful Meetings series that puts attendee wellness first—through fitness and mindfulness activities, and in give-back events with local charity organizations.
Fostering Diversity & Inclusion
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MGM Resorts offers unparalleled service and venue options while standing out for its proactive approach to sustainability and community engagement. Choosing MGM Resorts for your next meeting means aligning with a company that values social responsibility, efficiency, and attendee satisfaction, ensuring a meaningful and impactful event experience.
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