In the past, I’ve given you a number of trade show ideas that you can use to improve the success of your trade show marketing efforts. We’ve talked about promotional giveaways, motivating your booth staff, attracting visitors, and creating eye-catching trade show exhibits. Each contributes to your bottom line. Today, I’ll give you 4 creative trade show ideas that a lot of exhibitors haven’t considered.
#1 – Leverage The Media
Local newspapers, as well as radio and television stations are always searching for compelling stories to tell. If you can weave your marketing efforts around a newsworthy story, your business can attract free media coverage. Contact the trade show organizer for a list of local press outlets. Also, consider hiring a trade show advertising agency to help you develop an attractive press kit.
#2 – Give Booklets To Your Booth Visitors
The value of giving away key chains, tape measures, and similar promotional items to your booth visitors is questionable. Instead, consider giving them small booklets that you can fill with tips regarding how to use your products. There is an insatiable hunger for practical information that can be absorbed quickly and applied easily. By giving away information-dense booklets, you can sate that hunger while pre-selling your products to your target audience. Plus, they’re less likely to be thrown away and will keep your business name in front of your prospects longer.
#3 – Use Attention-Grabbing Trade Show Attractions
Classic video games, colorful prize wheels, and popcorn machines that send mouthwatering aromas into the trade show aisles can attract large audiences to your exhibit. These types of trade show attractions capture attendees’ attention and draw them in, encouraging them to investigate. When they visit, your booth staff can engage them in conversation in order to qualify them as prospective leads.
#4 – Repackage Your Presentation
The majority of people who attend trade shows are looking for new solutions. Uncovering an exciting new product can make the time spent on the convention floor seem worthwhile. If your product is dated, consider repackaging your presentation. You won’t be able to rely upon dazzling your booth visitors. Instead, talk about the features and benefits of using your product. Chances are, a large portion of your target audience will be familiar with your product, yet unaware regarding how it can solve their problems.
Rising Above The Noise
Most exhibitors follow the same menu of marketing tactics in their effort to draw people to their trade show booths. The problem is, they lack creativity. By taking action on tactics that other exhibitors neglect, you can rise above the noise and capture attendees’ attention. The 4 creative trade show ideas I’ve described above are easier to implement than you might imagine. The key ingredient is a willingness to take the first step.
About the author:
Jonathan Edelman provides helpful advice about trade show strategies. With years of experience in the trenches, he is an expert on booth displays, follow up techniques, and using trade show marketing strategies to boost revenue.
