The do’s and don’ts of a successful exhibition.
There is a lot involved in creating a successful exhibition. More than sitting and smiling, it is important to be outgoing, warm and friendly, and enthusiastic about your product.
Here is a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help make your exhibition a successful one.
Do: Make a pleasing first impression. Dress wisely and smartly, and listen more than speak. It is important to chat with potential customers, but the more you listen to them, the more likely you’ll figure out what it is they need and want.
Don’t: Eat your lunch, or anything for that manner, in front of potential customers. Chewing gum is also not wise as it is an irritating distraction for most people. Though cell phones are ubiquitous, keep yours safely in back and out of sight. Customers need to feel you are there for them.
Do: Research new and inventive ways of displaying your products. A string of lights around the holidays might be enough to cheer potential customers to the point of a sale. Be sure your displays are aesthetically pleasing and up-to-date. Your display should stand out from the crowd of others people walk pass. Ask yourself if you would stop at your own display.
Don’t: be afraid to sell your product. Enthusiasm will show in your speech, your face and in your expressions. Customers want to buy products that are well received and with your enthusiasm, they will be more convinced of this.
Do: A bit of research about the show in general. How many people have attended in the past? How long has this show been running? Is this venue in an easy-to-get-to place, or is it out of the way?
Don’t: Shy from contacting the organizers of the show. More than likely, they will have all the information you need to make the show a successful one, such as demographics, if available, to determine if your target audience will be strolling the aisles.
Do: Plan early. Many exhibitors plan to attend a show anywhere from six to twelve months in advance. These are the people who’s exhibition graphics are in flawless condition.
Don’t: Forget to take this opportunity to visit other events in similar industries. This will give you an idea of how to display your own product. What exhibits did you like and why? Which ones did you skip without even realizing it?
Do: Make plans to rotate staff. Most events are long in nature and therefore tiring.
Don’t: delay in training your staff. They will need to be as well versed in your product as yourself. Arm them with expectations you have, and what questions might be posed to them.
Do: Make use of the media. Assemble a press pack and have it readily available. Always be open to interviews.
Don’t: Assume you know everything about the exhibition. Read the manual they provide and look online for a website if applicable, there may be deadlines for certain services to be ordered.
Do: Follow leads! Without this, the purpose of the show would be lost. Use letters and phone calls to pursue contacts.
Don’t: let your exhibit be boring. The more engaging and interactive your exhibit is, the more people will remember the fun they had there. And this, of course, will result in more sales.
. 27 Aug 08 | Uncategorized