If you have ever attended a trade show, you probably know that the most popular booths are often the ones that stand out the most. I got the chance to attend the Philadelphia Flower Show last year and several booths stood out to me more than others. One of them, in particular, was a vendor selling handmade jewelry and essential oils. What drew me in were not only the cool products on display but the way they were displayed.
The vendor was warm and welcoming, and I ended up purchasing one of her products! No matter what kind of product or service you’re trying to promote at a trade show, a booth that stands out from the competition is one of the main components of a successful experience. Here are a few tips on how to make your booth stand out and increase your visibility at your next trade show.
Offer an Incentive
People love free things, and while I don’t expect you to give away full-size products, why not pass out some free samples so that people passing by can try out your product? If you’re selling a service rather than a tangible product, you might consider offering coupons for discounts or special deals. Allowing potential customers to try out a product or service before they commit to purchasing can make them feel more at ease about what they’re investing their money in.
Decorate Your Display
It might sound corny, but the way you decorate your booth can greatly contribute to the amount of traffic coming to check out your product or service. You can either choose to decorate your booth on your own or you can hire a trade show decorator to get a more professional look. Utilizing decorations as advertising tools can be imperative to your success at a trade show, and things like eye-catching banners, lights, and even music can help you stand out among the competition and add an element of fun to the experience.
Make Friends with Your Neighbors
It may seem like a conflict of interest to engage with competing booths at a trade show, but it can often work in your favor. Having a positive attitude about the competition can boost morale among vendors and eliminate any toxic energy. Engaging with your neighboring booths can also be beneficial to the success of your business, and you never know, you may end up becoming loyal allies!
Participating in a trade show can seem intimidating, but don’t let the fear of getting lost in the crowd hold you back. With an eye-catching booth and a positive attitude, you’ll walk away with a feeling of accomplishment (and hopefully some new customers!)
