How to Increase Traffic to Your Tradeshow Booth

September 6, 2013

As an event organizer, retaining exhibitors is an important goal. What keeps exhibitors happy and keeps them coming back? Attendees.

Let’s consider how we can get attendees and exhibitors engaged with one another in a meaningful way. “Stamp my card” so I can qualify for a prize drawing is not a meaningful way. “Give me a pen” is not a meaningful way. “Hi, I see you are from Sheboygan”, is not a meaningful way.

When you are exhibiting at an event, it’s important to cut through the clutter and stand out. If you are going to exhibit at a trade show, why would you NOT look at it as a money-making opportunity? Oh, I’ve heard the lame excuse: “Everyone knows our company.” Assuming that “everyone” does (an unlikely assumption), does “everyone” know the full range of your products and services? Have you established a relationship with “everyone”?

By assuming that “everyone” knows your company, you are making the further assumption that there are no new entrants in the market, no new prospects. Even in the highly unlikely assumption that everyone does know your company, perhaps some of your customers have new people who are just looking for the opportunity to shake things up, like finding a new vendor to replace you.

If your organization offers products that people need or want, it is improbable that no one will visit your exhibit. It is unlikely that not a single visitor will represent a real, live lead.

Here's two high-tech ways to make your booth the most popular at your event.

1.)    Be the Charging Station.It's shocking that so many shows don't offer attendees a charging station. Especially with intermittent Wi-Fi that tends to really drain your phone battery while searching for a signal charging up is a necessity. Even when a show offers a charging station it is often just a power strip and a table. Instead offer a charging oasis to drive traffic.

Key tip: Don't waste this opportunity. Have a video demo on loop at the charging station for your captive attendee audience, after the video is over, ask what their business challenges are and what they came to the show to find.

To become the charging station you'll need:

·       Two power strips.

·       High/pub table, two stools.

·       iPad or video monitor.

·       Multi-Charger. Try the ChargePod, for $39.95, you can charge up to 6 devices at once with one outlet. Has interchangeable tips and is compatible With 3,000+ devices.

2)    Be the Wi-Fi Hot Spot. At your booth, create a broadband cellular hot spot, using a MiFi. What's a MiFi? MiFi stands for "My Wi-Fi". A MiFi device can be connected to a mobile phone (cellular) carrier and it provides internet access for up to ten devices. It costs around $50 a month. Check out Clearrecommended by David Pogue of the New York Times.

That’s my take. Tell me, what do you think of these ideas? Need more fresh ideas to boost traffic to your booth? Download the Ebook: 25 Ways to Boost Traffic to Your Tradeshow Booth. It includes a printable checklist and a special tip just for event organizers.

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy. Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative. Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates. The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities. MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025. MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.

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