If you’re thinking of taking your business a step further by exhibiting at events, there are a lot of things you need to think about before you make your final decision. While they can be an incredible source of sales and research, you need to be sure the hard work you put in is worth the return on investment. You need to make sure the event will add value for you and for your business.
With that in mind, here are eight things you may want to consider before exhibiting at an event.
What Is Your Overall Budget
The first thing you need to decide before you make any other decisions is what your overall budget is going to be. Exhibiting at an event can be incredibly expensive. If you have never done it before, a budget is the best way to ensure you’re not going to overspend. While you will need to think about your overall spend, separating it down into sections is probably the best route to take. This means thinking about exhibition space, equipment hire, staff, display, transporting material to and from the event, lighting, and promotional activities and giveaways. Your budget will help you determine all the things you will be able to do and what type of display you can have.
Where Do You Want To Exhibit
Another thing you need to consider is where you want to exhibit. This doesn’t mean what city or event you’re going to be exhibiting at, but instead what location in the exhibition hall. When you first sign up to exhibit at an event you will be shown a site map of all of the available locations, most of which will be filled by people who had exhibited at previous events. The best thing to do is look at all of the available options and pick the space that you think is going to receive the biggest foot traffic. You need to think about where most people are going to be walking by. It could be a space that is close to a workshop where people will be waiting in the area or a space parallel to the event entrance.
Many planners will include this information on the site map by identifying spaces that are considered premium spots. These spaces tend to cost a bit more so be sure to include this in your budget. For tips and tricks when it comes to finding the best place to exhibit, you can visit this guide here.
What Stand Size Would You Like
Once you know where you’re going to be exhibiting, you need to decide how big you want your stand to be. While you may be confined by the amount of space in the area, you also need to consider how to best utilize the space. How big should you design your stand? This may not be the same for every event you chose to exhibit at. How many staff will be needed to cover the display and are they available to come in that day? How many different products will you be taking? Knowing these will help you decide what size display you can design.
What Is The Main Focus Of Your Stand
Now that you have decided on your budget and the size of your stand, you can start to think about the specific details. The main one you need to iron out is what the main focus of your display will be. While it may be tempting to take all of your products and focus on everything, you need a clear message that people are going to remember after a busy day.
For example, at some events I have been an exhibitor at I only focused on my writing, being an author. For others, I focused on the career and leadership coaching, speaking or organizational training my company offers. What I focus on depends on the event theme, attendees and location. I do not focus on too much so people won’t leave confused after meeting me and hearing about the company.
Do You Need Banners And Signage
When it comes to your exhibit design you need to think about the banners and signage you’re going to need. In order to draw attention to your display as people walk past you need to make it clear what you do, and what you’re offering. Whether it’s samples, demonstrations, or discounts, your signage should show this. If this means opting for roll banners or investing in silicon edge fabric printing, you need to do what is best for you.
What Products Will You Be Taking With You
Although you will want to take all of your products with you, due to the amount of space you have you probably won’t be able to. Consider the theme and purpose of the event and pick products that are going to do well. Also, consider products you have yet to launch and want to introduce to a new audience. If you plan to sell products, think about how much space you have and how much stock you’re going to need to fulfill orders.
What Staff Will Be There
Another important aspect you need to consider is what staff you’re going to be sending to the event. While you may have a lot of people available, you need to consider the people that are going to be approachable and friendly. After all, they’re going to be the staff people are more likely to want to talk to. If you don’t have enough manpower, consider hiring event staff for the day.
How Will You Attract Attention
Finally, you need to think about how you’re going to attract attention to your display. While this may seem like it will happen naturally, there are a number of things you can do to help encourage people to come your way. Whether that’s offering free products, applying high discounts or running a competition – the more generous you are the more likely people are to want to visit your stand. I have a signature chocolate candy I always set out on my table and usually have some type of free raffle. Others have used music or video plays to get people to come to talk to them. For a guide on drawing attention to your exhibit, you can visit this site here.
Exhibiting at an event can be a valuable way to grow and expand your business. People will get to know who you are and learn about the products or services you offer. You can build your marketing list, gain more social media followers and establish new connections. By taking time to plan ahead of time and knowing exactly what you want to focus on and how to design an eye-catching display your business can definitely win by exhibiting at events.
Are you considering exhibiting at an event soon? What do you need to think about beforehand? Let me know in the comments section below.
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership and Life Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc. where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, personality assessments, and a signature program, the Infinity Coaching Inner Circle. Carolyn is certified to give both The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator Assessment. You can find out more about both assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
