Has Trade Show Marketing Worked For You?

[donaldcarter55]

Has trade show marketing worked for you? If so, what industry are you in and how much business did you gain from it? Please share any details you feel has helped you be successful in trade shows.

[JakeThomas]

Hi Donald,

I do printing and quite a few of my customers are regulars at trade shows.

Learning vicariously through them - A huge factor in your success is the person / people you have manning the trade stall - Make sure they are bubbly, friendly and most of all approachable.

Also, do the numbers - Work out how much everything is going to cost for you to attend the trade show, then how many sales you need to make to pay for it. Then triple it, at least. Is this attainable?

- Jake

[babycupcake]

Trade shows work for us on both a domestic and international level. The key is to choose your show (check numbers through the door, contact people who have previosuly exhibitied at the same show, is there a certain time of year that more people tend to be in the market for your product/service?), as well as your stand position (corner is best, on a main thoroughfare, facing the door) carefully. I would recommend visiting the show prior to signing up if possible.

In so far as manning the stand, noone loves and is more enthusiastic about your business than you are - I would suggest that you do it yourself, with some assistance.

[Brendan]

I went to a Trade show for the IT industry last year, and I fount it astonishing the amount of companies trying to sell Ice to Eskimos.

There were that many people trying to sell IT services.. to an IT services crowd.. I dont know how any of them were even going to make a sale.

With trade shows, its important to make sure you have a stall at a show that will have your customers, not your competitors!

[silkinteriors]

We're exhibiting our wallpaper at the HIA Home Show next week so I'll let you know how it goes...