The Five Exhibiting “Secrets” Every Trade Show Pro Knows

The acronym you are guaranteed to hear over and over and over again while you plan your trade show display: R.O.I.  No matter if it’s your first or your 1,000^th trade show, R.O.I. will always be front and center. You will always need a smart, planned approach to get the biggest bang for your trade show booth–the highest Return On Investment.

Keep reading for the key steps that trade show exhibiting veterans know in their sleep. Get these down, and you can’t go wrong:

1. Start early—you’ll avoid rush charges, late fees, higher shipping costs, and stress! Plus, you’ll get the best prices on add-ons like promotional items, and choices (e.g., hotels and flights) that you may not have later. Sort of like being first in line on Black Friday (without the crush).

You should start your search for the right exhibit house that will design and fabricate your custom display (whether you are renting or purchasing) right after you have set your budget (see #2) and purchased your space at the show.

2. Set a budget—use our Budgeting Worksheet to determine your spend, as well as the cost and value of your efforts. This helps align everyone on your team—from your senior leadership to your sales manager, and ensures there are no surprises—especially for you. Have no idea what your budget should be? A credible, experienced exhibit house will be able to give you a ballpark range based on the show’s venue and the size and complexity of your booth.

3. Know what you want—well in advance, get buy-in from your leadership team early on: goals, messaging, budget, and overall design vision, then plan your strategies, and tactics. The ideal booth ties it all together. Too many exhibitors do it in reverse, adding this and that along the way, with no cohesive messaging or plan.

4. Rely on the experts—a turnkey provider like Metro Exhibits has the experience, resources, and relationships to make the process seamless to our customers, while saving you valuable time, energy–and money.Take just one element for instance: transportation. The amount you’d pay as a solo customer going from Point A to Point B (and back again) will almost certainly be higher than what your booth builder can negotiate with its own shippers—and you’re much more likely to be able to share space with another exhibitor going to the same show.

5. Make the most of your leads—you have spent a lot to make face-to-face connections at the show. But that isn’t enough. Follow-up is a must—and sets you apart from your competition. Mail a note that includes your photo, some swag, and a physical print piece that won’t be clicked and forgotten (start some anticipation by asking “May I mail you something to this address?” when taking a business card).

Those important contacts will appreciate a reminder—and the perception that you valued you them enough to take the time to reach out again.

Time can get away from you after the show; make arrangements beforehand as part of your event plan: a trusted vendor like MetroPlus can handle the entire process!

Exhibit like a pro, no matter what your personal experience is. You may surprise yourself with the results!