Participating in trade shows and exhibits is commonly seen as a necessary activity in the business world. They are costly for both participants and organizers. Their value in today’s digital world is being questioned by many. After a pandemic, however, the value of interpersonal connections is well recognized. Gaining momentum and excitement to make new sales and connections at a trade show is invaluable. Our trade show marketing advice will help you stand out and get more leads.

Only by having high-caliber exhibitors can your trade fair or expo be a success. If trade show managers want top-tier exhibitors to participate in their events, they should consider the following five tips.

1.First, You Need a Crowd

When there are more customers, vendors are more likely to set up shop there. After coming up with a clever show theme and tagline each year, you should develop a targeted social media and email approach. One trade show tips  for planning a successful trade show is to provide attendees with a diverse selection of engaging workshops and engaging keynote speakers. You can still find speakers willing to talk for free in exchange for publicity if you don’t have a significant budget (yet!). Professionals in less common fields may have novel insights to share. In addition, it is recommended to organize both an opening and closing gala for the event. Your show will be more appealing to potential viewers if it has these qualities.

2.Second, Long Live Video

In terms of reaching and retaining your audience, video swiftly overtakes any other medium. In 2023, Wyzowl, a video production company, conducted a study that indicated 91% of businesses were using video in some form of advertisement. In addition, 87% claim that sales have increased because to video marketing. Make a short movie in which you highlight the benefits of participating in your exhibition for potential exhibitors’ companies. If you’re looking to perform some DIY video production or editing, you have many options. Though it may be expensive, hiring an expert is money well spent. A lot of businesses can whip up a “explainer video” that elegantly lays out all the reasons why they should be a part of your show.

3.Third, be able to crunch some numbers

If your show has been going for a while, it’s important to keep tabs on attendance numbers, demographic breakdowns, and the methods you’ve employed to attract a solid audience. Important, too, that they be presented in a way that is easily understood by potential vendors. Many marketing teams need to show the probable return on investment to top management before they can rent a stand at a trade show. The American Alliance of Museums, for instance, provides a visual representation of their past show data and value proposition to potential exhibitors and explains exactly what they do to attract people.

4.Disseminate Technology with Extra Value

The most forward-thinking development in the market is the widespread adoption of state-of-the-art technological tools to improve interaction between attendees and exhibitors at trade shows. You should use a digital map and a navigation tool to help people find all the different businesses that are taking part.

5.Retain Repeat Business

Post-show follow-up is the first step in getting your vendors excited about your next event. Having your exhibitors fill out a thoughtful post-event survey can provide you invaluable insight. You should highlight their recommendations in your exhibitor marketing materials to illustrate how much you value their feedback. Assisting exhibitors with their post-show reports is another vital strategy for ensuring they re-book your show. Management can utilize the data in these reports to make a case for giving the program more money in the next year.

In a market with plenty of competition and apparently infinite choices and competing possibilities, it might be difficult to get the best exhibitors to your trade show. But with a well-thought-out strategy to draw visitors, an openness to new forms of advertising, a firm grasp of your show’s analytics, and the use of location-based technologies and data gathered onsite, you can guarantee a successful event.