Key Considerations Before Mastering an Exhibition

Participating in an exhibition provides a platform to spotlight your brand, forge connections with prospective customers, and lead the way in your industry. To have a successful exhibition experience though, demands planning and deliberation of various factors. This blog will explore the main aspects to consider before exhibiting, such as stand infrastructure, accommodation, hospitality and promotional materials.

Stand Infrastructure

The design and layout of your exhibition stand play a pivotal role in attracting visitors and creating a memorable experience. Key points to think about:

Space and Location: Before the event, thoroughly research the venue and choose a stand location that ensures high foot traffic. Additionally, select the space you need according to size, so you can effectively highlight your products and services. It’s always good to have a plan A, B and C in terms of location, too, just in case another exhibitor nabs it before you.

Design and visual appeal: Your stand should reflect your brand. Incorporate your corporate colours, logo, and messaging in a way that is eye-catching and cohesive. This could include roller, banners, bunting, and flags, explore our signage options here. A well-designed stand will leave a lasting impression on attendees. One aspect of this is signage, ensure that it is clear, informative, and can be read easily from a distance.

Interactive Elements: Incorporate things like touchscreens, product demos, and visual displays to engage visitors and make their experience memorable. Another useful asset is a ‘quick-fire question booth’, where you allow an allotted time slot to chat through queries.

Accommodation

Arranging suitable accommodation is crucial for the comfort and convenience of you and your team. You should take into account:

Proximity to Venue: Being closer to the venue will minimise travel time and ensure your team is well-rested. Organising transport is also key and will save time and stress, allowing you to be prepared for a busy show.

Amenities and Facilities: Consider the amenities offered by the hotel, such as meeting spaces, Wi-Fi, and dining options. Organisation is crucial for exhibitions; meeting spaces give your team the opportunity to collaborate and catch-up when necessary.

Book in Advance: Exhibition periods can be busy, so make sure to book accommodation well in advance to secure the best options and rates.

Hospitality

Hospitality is key when it comes to engaging with potential clients and partners. Why not consider:

Team Training: First impressions are incredibly important; your team represent your business. Make sure you’re all equipped with product knowledge and effective communication skills to engage with visitors confidently and informatively. Training in advance for an exhibition allows your team to prepare for what to expect before the Event.

Engagement Strategies: Plan strategies to attract and engage visitors well ahead of time, such as offering live demonstrations, hosting workshops, or organising games or contests.

Networking Opportunities: Exhibitions are a great platform to catch up with people. Arrange meetings with potential clients or partners in advance, and actively participate in events associated with the exhibition before you attend.

Promotional Items

Promotional items are a great way to leave a lasting impression on attendees. Here’s how we advise you to select and use them effectively:

Relevance and Utility: Select items that are relevant to your industry/brand and are likely to be useful to attendees. Practical items like our branded stationery, USB drives, or eco-friendly tote bags are well-received, due to their functionality.

Branding and Contact Information: Ensure that your company name, logo, and contact information are prominently displayed. This creates a direct link between the item and your brand. At Connex, we have a dedicated in-house branding team, to help design promotional items for your exhibition.

Distribution Strategy: Consider when and how to the promotional items will be given out. They act as incentives for engaging with your booth and can be utilised to connect with key leads and potential clients. You can check out our extensive list of products here, and see your vision brought to life by our team. Additionally, we provide a hassle-free packing service, you hand us the bags and we take care of the rest. We’ll not only supply the promotional items that go inside, but we’ll also handle the printing. If you have any additional materials you’d like included, just send them our way and we’ll make sure they find their place. When you receive your bags, they’re not just bags – they’re ready-to-go, event-ready packages.

Follow-Up and Post-Event Engagement

Here’s how you could get in touch with those you connect with at the show:

Maintain Connections: Promptly following up with potential clients after the event is essential. Take advantage of your good first impression and any valuable leads you attained. Connecting on LinkedIn, for example, would be a great way to stay in contact.

Provide Additional Information: Follow-up on anything discussed during your exhibition. Addressing any questions raised will demonstrate your commitment to fulfilling a potential client or customer’s needs.

Exhibiting can be a powerful marketing tool, but it relies careful planning and execution. By considering stand infrastructure, accommodation, hosting, promotional items, and follow-up, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of the event. Remember, the goal is not only to showcase your brand, but also to build connections with potential clients and partners.