Tradeshow Tip: Getting the most out of your booth

You've invested a large sum of money in a Trade Show booth, so how can you make sure your business receives the full benefit?


Staff
People, people, people but not just anyone, you need the right ones who know about your business and how to interact with potential clients.  Let's be honest here, there is nothing worse than approaching a booth to be told "I don't know, I'm just filling in here".  You need people with talent, who share your enthusiasm.

Networking Tools
If the show is providing a networking platform such as Poken or an event app, take full advantage of it! Find out what it is, how to use it, complete your online profile, upload documents, include a link to your website and most of all use it on the day.  

Preparation
Unless it is a paperless event, you will need plenty of brochures and business cards to hand out.   Find out the estimated number of visitors, order well in advance, arrange transport and have a method for displaying them.

Your booth
Make it attractive and inviting without being too cluttered.  Have a place to hide away all your personal items ensuring that it remains a professional work space.

Interacting
Remember a lot of money has been invested already so please don't hide behind your desk or computer hoping no-one will get eye contact.  Look out for people approaching, come out from behind the desk and say Hello.  Don't push too hard with the sell, just try to start a conversation and provide information.  Before they leave the booth, encourage them to connect with the available networking tool or at least exchange business cards.  

End of the Show
Make full use of your investment and don't start packing up or leave until the show is completely finished for the day.

After the show
Follow up on your leads.  

Askew Vision supporting Poken at FRSA2013