How to Make the Most Out of Business FairsAttendance at business fairs is almost a necessity to promoting exisiting and new products and services. Whether you are attending a business fair looking for new product ideas, or you are an exhibitor at a trade fair, there are ways to make the most out of the experience. Here, we looked at defining what a trade fair is, how to make the most of out of your visit, and what things you can find at a trade fair as well as strategies to make your experience worth your time as well as profitable. What is a Business Fair?A business fair, also known as a trade fair, trade show or expo, is usually held in large places such as fair grounds and convention centers. They can be designated trade fairs like home improvement fairs, cooking and restaurant trade fairs, medical expos, and every category under the sun if one product or products have a lot of consumer demand. They are a good place to seek out new products and options and the latest and greatest on the market. They are also a good place, if you are an exhibitor to show off your latest and greatest and you should do this with absolute expertise to entice clients.Trade fairs are mostly open to the public, but some are more of a seminar-type of a few days of each industry in the expo showing off their new wears. At a public trade fair, you can look at say one brand of vacuum cleaning and compare it with many other exhibitors offering their models and get demonstrations on how each product works, what the options are and what they will be priced at in the retail market. In the United States alone, there are approximately 2,500 trade fairs each year and if you are a company or exhibitor, it is one of the best ways to market your product and see what kind of consumer or industry interest it might have, especially if it’s a new product. Where do business fairs take place and when?
By clicking on the following link you'll be taken to the Best Tips if You Are an ExhibitorTo make the most of a business fair, find the ones that are geared toward the product or service you are selling and see what other vendors are attending. See if the expo is offering early bird registration or space rental fees - or even hotel discounts. Try to pick a booth that is near a busy aisle or near a big corporate company that is already established so your booth will be right next to them. Take heed when you read the exhibitor’s kit as you might be paying fees to more than one place such as the producer of the expo, lighting or special need item companies, and even rental equipment companies. Plan your budget accordingly. If display materials are putting you way out of budget, try to hire someone local to help you at a discounted rate or barter for their services. You should also prepare press kits to give out to the media, meet with reporters, and set up media interviews in advance. Divide your time between working the booth and clients and walking the expo to network with others. Offer a promotional gift with your company information such as pens, magnets, notepads. Finally, bring the most upbeat people you have. The more energetic they are, the more people will either recommend your booth or stay and ask questions - make them take an interest in why you are there. Best Tips if You Are an AttendeeIf you are an attendee at an expo or business fair, follow some of these tips to make the most of your visit. Attend seminars and presentations where you can meet industry leaders and circulate. If you do find the opportunity arises, see if you can spend even a few moments with an industry leader and make sure to give them your business card. Speak to as many people as you can and tell them what industry you are in and ask about their product or service - be interested.Instead of bulky brochures, print up post cards with your company product information and contact information including your website and email address. Most experts will tell you to bring more business cards than you will think you will use - you’ll be surprised at how fast they can go. Make sure you and any employees you bring along dress appropriately and in a way that will compliment who you are and what your company is all about. Wearing blue jeans and not looking your best is no good so invest some of that marketing budget on yourself. If you find it expensive to attend a trade fair, ask the producer or organizer of the event if you can volunteer - in any capacity. Finally, experts say the most important way to work a trade show if you are an attendee is to be there. Networking is important so think of the event as a must-do work item to succeed. When the Business Fair is OverOnce the business fair is over and you’re back at the office, ensure those business cards you collected or gave out make a difference by adding value to your business. It will be really helpful in the long-run if you take those contact details and update your list of contacts. Call and email contacts you made and see if you can set up meetings or conference calls to discuss how you can both help each other.Follow-through with any materials perspective clients asked you to mail or email to them. Not following through is one of the biggest mistakes you can make after an expo. Be smart about whom to contact - contact the people who matter and don’t give up. Sell yourself and your product or service and you’ll go a long way and the expense you had to shell out for that trade fair will be worth it. |