How to Choose the Right Exhibition to Show off Your Printed Gazebos
Participating in the right event can contribute significantly to your business. Many exhibitors commit the mistake of being loyal to their favorite events despite not getting the desired ROI. Others unfortunately choose only the biggest and most popular events in hope of finding customers. We say, why spend so much on preparation and event marquees if you cannot find a decent number of leads?
Merely attending an event show is not enough. It’s true that trade shows have immense possibilities, but to leverage these, you must be ready to do your homework. This means listing out reasons why you want to participate in a trade show and then scrutinizing what shows are the best for your target audience.
Maybe you want to increase your ROI. Perhaps you wish to expand to a new market. Regardless of the reason, there are several factors to consider while trying to figure out which trade show to attend. There are hundred of expos across the world annually with an equal number of businesses participating in them. However, not every event is right for your business – whether it belongs to your industry or not.
When you attend the right expo, it really adds value to your business and generates high-quality leads. On the other hand, attending the wrong exhibition will cost you money, time, and efforts with zero returns.
Ask the following 4 questions when choosing an exhibition to participate in:
- What are your objectives?
Why you want to participate in an event speaks volumes about the steps you will take to do so. You and your team need to know why you’re exhibiting and what products or services you will focus upon.
Think:
- Are you trying to increase your brand’s awareness?
- Are you launching a new service or a product?
- Do you want to strengthen existing customer relationships?
- Do you want to network with new leads?
Questions like these will help set clear-cut objectives for wanting to participate in an event. They will also assist you in preparing for the event in a much better way. For instance, your printed gazebos could showcase a recently launched product instead of a generic ‘Come, meet us’ message. It will also give direction to your social media marketing efforts.
- What is your budget?
Expos and trade shows are not cheap. But their inherent worth in generating quality leads is the single most important factor why businesses flock to be a part of them. But this doesn’t mean that you can afford to shell out as much money as you can.
Before you book the event space, plan your budget carefully. Don’t just consider the registration fees, also factor in costs of travel, transport, accommodation, and food. Exhibition displays like branded marquees and banners, promotional giveaways, and onsite expenses should also be taken into account. Make a list of the things you are going to need before, during, and after the show. This way, you will have a clear sense of the budget and avoid unpleasant surprises.
- What are your options?
Now that your objectives and budget are in place, you can begin a thorough search for relevant trade shows that fit these criteria. You can make this process easier by creating a list of trade shows segregated by country, size, or price. Consider shows that you can afford and eliminate ones that are over your budget. Gather as much information as you can, including past participants, demographics, show statistics, and attendee numbers.
Find out:
- If you can afford the show.
- If you are familiar with the city and venue.
- Whether the trade show is established or not.
- If the show carries a good reputation.
- How big is the show?
- Who attends the show?
- Where is the show advertised?
An event’s longevity is a good indicator of its success, but it is not the only one. Check how well it is advertised and the reputation of organizers.
If you know somebody who has attended the event in the past, reach out to them and ask about their experience. Know what kind of promotional and venue-related materials are permitted. For example, some shows don’t offer space for anything else than the event marquees. In such a case, it would be futile to get promotional banners made or carry anything other than your exhibit display.
- Where is your audience?
When picking out what shows to participate in, you also have to figure out who are you targeting. Consumer demographic is the key to success at any trade show. Research or survey your target audience to find out what shows they are likely to attend.
Don’t just assume that your customers will visit bigger and popular events. Several buyers are regular attendees at smaller shows that might not even be industry-related. Local events are excellent opportunities to gain exposure and network with prospective customers. They also offer a high ROI. Research shows that nearly 60% attendees come from within a two-mile radius, which is why timing and location are key factors if you want to tap the right customer base.
Some handy tips before you participate in a trade show:
- Other than the event space, evaluate what other possibilities the show can offer you. Are there any educational seminars being conducted alongside the event? Can you take up any sponsorship opportunities?
- Try attending the show in person before participating. Things look far better than shiny pictures on the web. The best way to know more about a trade show is to see it first-hand. Talk to the exhibitors. Walk the show floor. Look around and find out boarding, lodging, and transport near the event venue.
- Take time to select an event display that is right for you. If you plan in advance, you can research for the right event marquees, portable displays, and promotional collateral. You will also need time for getting printed gazebos ready, so plan accordingly.
- Ask your marketing team to devise a marketing and promotional strategy. You can create buzz around your participation to draw customers to your booth. Get in touch with the show organizers regarding marketing opportunities and announce your presence using show hashtags.
- On the day of the event, try reaching the venue early. This way, you can set up your branded marquees without getting clobbered by other participants and their stands lying about. Reaching the venue early will also help you resolve any unexpected surprises like internet connectivity, cable disconnections, and so on.
Hopefully the questions and tips listed above will help you find a show that is right for your business and your customers. And if you are on the lookout for reliable and vibrant printed gazebos, give Extreme Marquees a try. Good luck!