Preparation is key
Many independent business owners dream of getting their products into shops, and trade shows are often seen as a fantastic way to make that happen! If you’re gearing up for your first trade show or exhibition, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves.
These events can draw in thousands of people, giving you a fantastic chance to boost your brand awareness and present your products to the right audience. Trade Shows can be a big investment for small businesses, so it’s important to plan and make the most of your experience. To help you feel more prepared for your first trade show, here are some helpful tips to consider.
Budget
Stand Costs:
As mentioned before, trade shows can be quite an investment, often costing thousands of pounds. It’s important to keep in mind that your stand is not the only expense to take into consideration; several other additional costs can catch you off guard.
One of these costs is lighting. Although it is an extra expense, we believe that investing in good lighting is worthwhile! Proper lighting can significantly enhance the presentation of your products, ensuring they look their best.
If you decide to paint your stand, you’ll need to handle this yourself and return it to standard white at the end of the show. Additionally, you will need to dress your stand properly to display your products effectively and make them stand out.
Be selective about the location of your stand. Avoid opting for the cheapest position, as it may be in a dark corner with little footfall. Always check the site map to see your stand’s location before agreeing to it.
Accommodation
This could well be your second-largest expense after the stand costs. You should consider the cost of hotel accommodations, as well as meals and drinks throughout the day as well as in the evening. We would recommend booking early to secure the best possible prices.
Marketing
The trade show organisers will request that you upload your details, images, and brochure to their website so that visitors can see who will be exhibiting before the event. We recommend doing this as early as possible to take full advantage of this marketing opportunity. Use high-quality lifestyle images to showcase your products and include links to your website and social media profiles whenever possible.
Inform your audience that you will be attending the trade show. Invite everyone on your mailing list to visit your stand and be sure to add the show details and your stand number to the bottom of your email signature well in advance of the event.
Make sure your brochure is ready and have some printed copies to hand out at the show. Putting your newest products at the front of your brochure will make clearly visible to those interested. Ensure that all your new products are accessible and on display on your stand.
Logistics
Logistics can feel tedious for creatives like you but will save you time and reduce frustration.
Consider how you will get to the show. If you are driving do not forget to book parking.
You might be assigned specific time slots for unloading and loading your products at the beginning and end of the show. So, give yourself plenty of time and make sure you make your time slot.
For easier transportation, use a trolley to move your products to and from the car. Make sure to allocate time at the beginning to set up your stand and if painting your stand remember to repaint it at the end of the show or you may well be charged!
Consider how you will take orders. To avoid duplication, we recommend inputting orders directly into your order management system. If this isn’t possible, use an order form and familiarise yourself with it to streamline the process. You don’t want to lose a sale due to delays in taking orders.
We wish you all the best at the trade show and hope you get lots of lovely orders!
