Trade Show Mistakes

rservices

I'm in my 1st trade show this march, "Wisconsin Restaurant Show" as I have mentioned on many occasions I work exclusively in restaurants. I toured the show last year and decided that it would be a good thing to get involved with.

I'm looking for Do's and Don't of trade shows.
With all of this wonderful experience on this forum I sure I could save myself a mistake or two

Tscarborough

No table in front. No chairs. Wear comfortable shoes and move around the booth or the aisle. Have something in your booth for people to look at and touch. Say hello to people as they walk by, no matter if they stop or not.

__________________
It ain't Rocket Science unless you are building rockets.

Susan Betz

I used to do a lot of trade shows (not for this business). I had an electric line installed at my booth, and ran a PowerPoint slideshow from my computer with a projector, on a screen at the back of the booth. People stopped all the time. I haven't been to a trade show in years, I don't know if this is being done, but I think it would translate really well for someone who had great pictures of their work.

__________________
Fences of Distinction, Ocala, FL
http://www.fencesofdistinction.com

Double-A

Don't hand out candies or gums. Folks tend to litter the aisles leading to and from your booth with the wrappers.

Do, however, keep some gum for yourself and for any kids that might be attending with their parents. Ask the parent if its OK, before offering the kid any.

Eat and drink. Trade shows are murder. You can get quite tired in just a few hours and its important to eat and drink regularly. Keep some headache relief on hand as well.

Make sure your booth says something about your company. A big sign with a name on it does nothing to tell folks what you do or offer.

Limit hand outs. Folks tend to collect paper at shows and then just toss them, so limit hand outs to those that ask or seem especially interested.

This does not apply to business cards. Keep those on hand and handy, or even lay them out for folks to take. These usually get stashed in a safe place like a pocket or wallet right away.


Hope this helps.

__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006