10 Tips to Improve Your Next Trade Show

1. Give yourself enough time for planning and preparation. Set deadlines and think ahead. Try to avoid rush fees or expedited shipping costs (especially for heavier items such as Alumalites).
2. Send pre-show emails to loyal customers urging them to stop by your booth.
3. Utilize your Facebook and Twitter accounts before shows. Announce your location and promote contests or prizes through social media.
4. Define goals for what you want to accomplish for each show. Is your goal to test a new product and gather feedback? Generate new leads? Network?
5. Make sure everyone working in your trade show booth understands the prescribed goals.
6. Have maximum booth coverage: all staff should have a specific role and know what that role is.
7. Plan a dress code for booth staff. Appearance is your audience's first impression. This includes both graphic design and booth attendants' appearance.
8. Be prepared for questions. Practice asking potential questions to employees who will be running your trade show booth.
9. Make copies of set up instructions for trade show products such as kiosks, pop-ups, LCD TV stands and anything else you will be bringing with you. Be familiar with set-up instructions for quick assembly and break-down.
10. Have a system for tracking hot leads and likely customers. Make sure to follow up to turn leads into sales!

For more trade show tips and trade show display products, visit Trade Show Emporium.