You're at your first tradeshow. The booths are dazzling, industry bigwigs are here in the flesh, and potential partners are prime for the picking.

Tradeshows can feel overwhelming, especially if you're there representing a startup or you're otherwise new to shows. Unless, of course, you have a few tips and tricks up your sleeve.

Luckily, you know exactly what you need to do to make a fantastic impression thanks to an article you read about nailing your first tradeshow...

1. Promote the event like you're the host

In the weeks and even months leading up to a tradeshow, actively promote the show and your booth.

Driving visitors to your booth at a tradeshow is a great way to get people who otherwise wouldn't know about the show to attend. And boosting the number of attendees at a tradeshow specifically because you informed others about it increases your chances of heavy traffic at your booth.

If you can afford it, consider even paying for passes for your top customers or the leads you really want to convert.

2. Set goals for your company

The key to a successful tradeshow is the amount of preparation you do beforehand. As soon as you know you're attending a tradeshow, start making plans. Plan in detail—from how you're going to get there to what promotional items you're going to offer at your booth.

When you arrive at a tradeshow completely prepared—with freshly printed business cards, a fully charged smart phone, and dressed in your entrepreneurial best—you'll feel and act more confident when speaking to important connections. Exuding a sense of strength, calm, and quiet energy go a long way toward convincing others your brand is a force to be reckoned with.

First, outline your goals for the tradeshow. Are you going to have a booth? Will you simply walk around passing out your business card? Do you want to hear specific speakers and pick up new industry knowledge?

Attending a tradeshow is an investment. So go into it with a solid plan, business goals, and actionable ways to meet your goals. Set measurable objectives before the event, and stick to them.

Be on the offense at a tradeshow, not the defense. Don't simply react to what occurs at the tradeshow. Arrive with a plan of action and make things happen.

3. Create a killer tradeshow booth

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

image of Stephen Moyers

Stephen Moyers is an online marketer and writer associated with SPINX Digital, a Los Angeles Web design company and digital marketing agency.

LinkedIn: Stephen Moyers

Twitter: @StephenMoyers