Trade Show Strategy – Get a Lead or a Customer

I came across the following video on YouTube that is pretty good at explaining the end goal for going to a trade show.  That end goal is to get a qualified lead or a customer and how a company accomplishes this goal can be varied.  After watching the video I do want to comment on how to go about capturing the prospects information at the show.  The simplest way to gather this data is to solicit business cards however, this really doesn’t help you identify who is or isn’t a lead.  An entry form that qualifies the prospect is a better solution and should be required for entry into the drawing.  Furthermore a sales consultant should review this form to ensure its accuracy before submission.  Enjoy the video.

A Smash Hit! Trade Show Displays specializes in portable trade show displays, roll up banners, pop up display systems, tradeshow signage, tension fabric structures and custom trade show exhibits.  Let us make your next event A Smash Hit!

Quick Movies for Trade Shows

Moving pictures, AKA Videos, can dramitically draw attention to your booth space at a trade show.  Many companies do not have the technical expertise to create their own video nor budgets to do so.  What most companies do have are pictures and with these pictures very simple movies can be created.

If you use a Mac the iPhoto is the program of choice.  Below are a few resources that show you how to use iPhoto.
http://www.marialanger.com/2007/03/19/creating-a-slide-show-for-idvd-with-iphoto/
http://www.apple.com/ilife/tutorials/iphoto/ip4-1.html

If you use a PC then Photo Story 3 by Microsoft is your program of choice.  Photo Story 3 can be downladed for Free as well!  Below are a few resources that show you how to use Photo Story 3.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/digitalphotography/photostory/tips/firststory.mspx
http://www.updatexp.com/microsoft-photo-story-3.html

Trade Show Display Product Highlight
Hanging banners are attention getting as they are hung from the ceiling and can be seen from almost all areas of the exhibition floor.  There are a winde variety of shapes and can be printed on vinyl and fabric substrates.  Fabric tension ceiling banners are very sleek and can even be backlit providing dramatic effects!

Quality, not Quantity Pre Show Marketing at Trade Shows

For many exhibitors a trade show may only contain a small number of potential clients.  This may be a result of limited product or service offerings or because the show attracts a wide audience.  Whichever the situation a highly targeted quality marketing campaign may offer the best ROI for your marketing dollar.  A few such ideas can be found from our friends at Insight Advertising.  Enjoy!

Portable Trade Show Exhibit Product Highlight
Fabric tension banner stands are unlike anything on the market.  Why you might ask?  They are three dimensional instead of just being a static flat graphic.  Various shapes are available including the ability to showcase products with shelving.

Entasi Trade Show Displays Now at Smash Hit Displays

A Smash Hit! Trade Show Displays is proud to present the full line of Entasi Fabric Tension Displays.  Check out the video below for more information!

Trade Show Booth Product Highlight
Trade show lights are very important in making your displays stand out and be A Smash Hit!.  Don’t be left in the dark (I know its an old horible pun) and not highlight your display.  Most exhibitors who do not believe in using lights will say, “the exhibit floor is bright enough so we don’t need lights”.  Trade show lights are not used to make an exhibitr floor bright enough so people can see where they are going, they are there to highlight your products and services.  If you see a trade show booth without lights next to one that does, the booth without lights looks dull and boring so don’t forget to get lights for your displays!