Trade Show Trends

When people attend a trade show, they are expecting to be impressed. There is a certain energy you can only find a trade show and it’s important that your company be in sync with that energy. This energy is generated by the details…the “extra special” components. Trade shows attract thousands of potential customers that equate to millions of potential dollars. This is why it’s important that your booth, staff, presentation and booth attractions be cutting edge. This is a great opportunity to really show customers and your competition that you are a real player in your industry. For many companies that exist exclusively online, a trade show is the only opportunity your customers and competition will have to experience you in person. Here are some great ways to stand out:

Phone Charging Stations

Phone charging stations are becoming more and more popular at trade shows. Phone charging stations work tremendously well at getting people to stop by your booth and engage in conversation while they wait for their devices to charge. The great thing about phone charging stations is that regardless of how many other booths have them, there still won’t be enough to service the entire trade show audience!

Great Lighting

Fluorescent lighting is ugly and dreary. It’s also the most common type of lighting used in convention halls and conference centers. Lighting is important for setting the mood, featuring a product and grabbing attention. Consider contracting with a local lighting company that can advise you on different ways you can use professional lighting at your trade show booth. From rope lights to lamps, a pleasantly lit trade show booth can be the detail that really sets you apart from your competition.

Interactive Displays / Touch Screens

Beyond displaying your products on tables for the trade show audience to observe, consider adding components to your trade show booth that encourage interaction from the audience. Instead of a TV or computer monitor with a scrolling PowerPoint presentation, use a touch screen computer that lets the user control the presentation at their own pace. You may also want a monitor that features your company website and allows your audience to engage with your site.  In lieu of using a clipboard and pen to capture customer contact information, use tablets with lead capture software. You can also use tablets to conduct surveys!

Fashionable Attire

It doesn’t matter what industry you are in or what types of products you sell, your trade show booth staff must look on point! If you look around a trade show floor, you’ll see many companies dressing their employees in khakis and a company branded t-shirt or polo. While I encourage fashion choices that are appropriate to both your brand and your customer, consider thinking a little outside the box on this one. Simple accessory additions can easily add a pop of exciting fashion. You can use fun hats, suspenders, ties, scarves and headbands, to name a few.

About the author: William Hall is a seasoned business coach specializing in branding, social media and promotional events. William has spent his career teaching businesses of all sizes how to stand out in the crowd while using marketing dollars most effectively. His clients are continuously thankful for his out-of-the-box ideas that lead to increased revenue, more clicks and a bigger online presence.