Using Promotional Products Effectively at Your Trade Show

Next time you participate in a tradeshow take some time to just people watch. So many times attendees travel aimlessly up and down tradeshow aisle. They seem to be wandering; mostly looking for "something" to catch their eye. Because the attendee is "open to new things" a huge advantage is created for the exhibitors. That being said, there is great potential for new business. Taking advantage and maximizing the talents of your company is essential to trade show success. If you look to break down the components of trade show success there are 3 major elements: Booth Presentation, The RIGHT personnel to Manage the Booth, and The Essential Give-A-Way.
As an exhibitor, a trade show can be a major investment. There are charges relating to booth presentation, employee participation and of course the giveaways that are used to brand a company's name or lure a potential client in for a closer look at what one has to offer. Careful planning in all three of these areas is critically important. While I'll touch on the importance of the first two, my main focus will be on the 3 major element - the essential give-a-way and how to effectively plan the investment so you get the best possible return.
Booth Presentation
Often you have only 5 seconds or less to attract some one visually to your booth. That being said, attention to detail is very important. Spend some time ensuring the look of your booth flows nicely, keep it clean, and inviting.
The RIGHT Personnel to Manage the Booth
Whom ever you select to represent your company should present the proper image at all times. When considering who will attend a tradeshow be sure to evaluate their communication skills, tidy appearance, and "fake it till you make it" attitude. Tradeshows can be long and demanding hours.
The Essential Give-A-Way
There are two schools of thought regarding give-a-ways; feed the masses or keep a small stash just for the "good prospects". Although both have their advantages be careful when selecting which way to go. Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in-between (so long as you've themed the event). With a mix of both schools of thought and a well planned tradeshow theme for your company; you will present a situation which allows the biggest "bang for the buck".
Selecting your overall theme should be first. Once you have those plans firm it's now time to select the appropriate giveaways. Too often companies just have "stuff" with their name on it. Not that that's bad, it just less memorable and quickly forgotten. When you theme your trade show, you create an experience for the attendee. This has proven time and again to be the most effective way to retain mind share.
So where to start... here's a an idea that was very successful for one of our clients in the past.
A daycare facility was participating in a local community show to bolster attendance for their summer camp. They were looking for useful handouts that both adults and kids would enjoy. We recommended using our Sun Care Kit as a gift, for anyone willing to sign up that day. The price was well within their budget. The slim design would fit perfectly into pockets, backpacks, or purses. It contained sunscreen packets and bandages which were ideal for outdoor activities. They ordered 500 pieces with the imprint simply saying "SUMMER FUN, SEE YOU SOON!" and their camp's name. The adults loved the sunscreen, and the kids loved the bandages! They also order balloons with their logo on it as a give-a-way for all who stopped by their booth. The event was a huge success!