Make your Trade Show Comfortable

Are you new to trade show and event marketing? You’ve put together a great display with stellar graphics. You’ve conducted your pre-show marketing to your target audience, set your goals and trained your staff. Here are a few important and very practical tips to help you have a successful show. As you prepare for the show, prepare and emergency kit including Velcro dots for graphic emergencies, duct tape, spare light bulbs , scissors, lip balm a tongue depressor and a few band-aids. Be sure to include some breath mints, we all know how unappealing it is to be greeted by morning breath. (NEVER include gum…gum-chewing is NOT an appropriate in booth activity, even if you work for Wrigley! )
Be sure get plenty of rest the evening before the show. You’ll want to be in top shape to handle the traffic. Wear comfortable clothing that fits well, you don’t want to be the exhibitor everyone remembers for the high-water pants or too tight top. The stuffed sausage look is not a good marketing tool. Also don’t wear oversized clothing, it sends the message that you may be sloppy and unprofessional. The most important bit of clothing advice is WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. This is not the time for stilettos. Standing in your booth all day at the show is a challenge…even for those used to being on their feet.
Don’t be afraid of the attendees. If they weren’t interested in your industry they wouldn’t be at the show. A smile goes a long way toward making someone feel welcomed and comfortable at your booth. So let those pearly whites shine! And when traffic is slow don’t hesitate to walk the show and leave the booth in the hands of your co-workers. A little fresh air and new perspective will boost your spirits and increase your productivity at the show.
If you are attending a show over several days, avoid drinking too much after the show. Alcohol really does reduce your inhibitions. Remember you are with your co-workers and potential clients…this is a work environment. Sadly there are more than exhibitor who has lost his/her job as result of antics at the event.