Making the Most of Trade Shows

So you've taken the plunge and booked an exhibition stand at a trade show, but now you're wondering what on earth you should be doing next.  In my experience planning ahead pays dividends.  When you're spending your hard earned cash on a stand you need to make sure you get value for money.   
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What to do before you go

• As obvious as it may seem take some time to decide on the products that you're going to be exhibiting and how you wish to display them.  It's no use getting to the day of set up and realising that you can't arrange your products in the way you want. 
• Remember to invite your key buyers or those customers you'd like to re connect with. 
• Is your marketing material up to date, perhaps you need to put together a flyer or brochure on your new launches. 
• Does the exhibition have a website, if so, make sure that you make use of this, usually, free online marketing tool. 
• Use Social Media to promote your attendance at the show and tease your trade customers with some of the gorgeous new product you will be launching. 

What to do during the show

• Follow the show on Social Media. Include mentions of the show in your posts and use #tags to help drive awareness of your presence. Post images of your completed stand on your Social Media channels. 
• Use the show to network with other brands and service providers that could be useful to your business 
• If you're considering exporting check to see if the show is running any workshops or has exhibitors that could help you in this area. 
• Most shows have presentations by leading industry figures, business advisers and trend forecasters check to see what's on and attend any seminars that are appropriate.   
• Make sure that you have a press pack in the Show press office.  You never know where this might lead!