@wendt_stevenSpring is coming, and you know what that means…Trade Show Season! Whether that is dreaded or anticipated, Primo Print is here to help. Over the years, we have had the opportunity to work with many businesses preparing for trade shows. We’ve gotten a really good look into what these companies are doing to prepare and what […]
Useful Tips for Your Next Trade Show
Spring is coming, and you know what that means…Trade Show Season! Whether that is dreaded or anticipated, Primo Print is here to help.
Over the years, we have had the opportunity to work with many businesses preparing for trade shows. We’ve gotten a really good look into what these companies are doing to prepare and what tools they are using to get the most out of their experience.
Trade shows can be very expensive to participate in. That is why it’s so important to make sure you take advantage of every opportunity and think beyond your normal business card and brochure printing needs.
Below you will find a list of things to think about as you prepare.
Business Cards
Everyone knows that you need to stock up on business cards for each upcoming show. It’s everyone’s goal to hand out as many cards as you possibly can. But, have you thought about designing a card specific to each event? Think about it; everyone attending these shows will receive a stack of business cards.
How are they going to remember you specifically out of everyone else they meet? We recommend a card that says “It was great to meet you at the (Insert trade show name here) event.” Perhaps you put your photo on it so they can put a face with the card. Additionally, you can include an event hashtag/social information.
The printed business cards should still match your everyday card branding, but this way, it’s easier to separate you from the crowd. We offer a large selection of cards, including Silk Laminated business cards, Stamped Foil business cards, Matte business cards, Spot UV business cards and others to meet your needs.
Pre-Event Postcards
Many of your current and potential customers will be attending similar shows. Do you have new products for them to check out? A great way to inform them can be done by printing postcards, pre-show, and letting them know that you will have a booth at the show. Include your booth number, perhaps show them a photo or two of your new products, and include your social media information. This can help them gather additional information about you and your products. You want to see and talk to them.
So, make sure you tell them to stop by and say “hello!” This will create excitement, and you’ll have people seeking you out before the show even begins. People are more likely to engage with a booth they are familiar with than one they’ve never heard of.
Social media: Push your social media like crazy before and during your event. You’d be amazed at how many leads you can receive before the event through social. And during the event, make sure you send out live tweets/posts from the event. Attach photos, announce live giveaways, and tell people you have candy or treats waiting for them at your booth.
Sponsorship
Every event has opportunities to sponsor speakers, exhibits, etc. Ask your event coordinator what those opportunities consist of. Yes, sponsorship is an added cost, but it’s also a great way to get your name and brand out there. With sponsorship, your logo may be printed in the program, and you might be able to hang a banner in different areas of the convention space. (At Primo Print, we can always print these banners for you!)
Goodie-Bags
Most trade shows hand out a “goodie-bag” to each attendee as they enter the show. These handouts are traditionally full of coupons, flyers, stickers and additional goodies – all provided by booths at the event. Ask your coordinator about submitting items for these bags. Even if the individuals are unable to make it around to your booth, you were still able to get something into their hands! View our large selection of printing options for our printed flyers and stickers ideal for your next trade show or event.
Lead Cards
As people flow in and out of your booth, ask them for their business card and ask them to fill out a lead card. These cards usually include their name, phone number, email address, and a question or two about their needs. It’s always important to follow up with these leads 2-3 days after receiving it. Once you’ve missed this window, you may be missing out on their business.
Booth Space
Don’t forget to decorate your booth fully. Sometimes less is more, but most importantly your booth needs to be visually appealing, and your products need to be the main focus. Primo Print can help with vinyl banners, pop-up banners and full color printed posters. Please contact us if you have questions regarding custom projects. We are happy to help!
Collateral
Give your potential customers collateral options. If you offer a variety of products or services, think about having collateral on each one, rather than a one sheet on your overall company. You should have many different look-books, line sheets, sell sheets and other printed material ready for attendees to choose from. Also, we recommend putting your booth number on your materials. If someone has questions or would like additional information, they may want to come back!
Giveaways
Again, less is more. People don’t want to carry around large items. They need to be small, making it easier to fit into their event bag, but useful at the same time. We’ve seen companies hand out large stuffed animals and other complicated items. We have actually seen people walk to the nearest garbage can and throw them away because they didn’t have a use for it and couldn’t carry it. Primo Print can help with some of these small items such as magnets, roll labels, crack-n-peel stickers and bumper stickers.
Trade show season can be a crazy time, but it doesn’t have to be. Stay organized, practice your pitches and make sure you don’t wait till the last minute to order collateral. The more work you do in advance, the more you’ll be able to focus on capturing your new customers!
Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Primo Print offers full design services and can print just about anything you may need. Contact us today to find out how we can make this season a bit less stressful! (And a bit more profitable too!)
