Trade Show Intro

Exhibiting at a Trade Show or Expo can be a particularly good way to tell a large group of targeted visitors about your product or service. Most Trade shows or Expos are targeted to a particular audience and so they are advertised out to these channels as well. Depending on the type of show, who is organising it and if it speaks to your target market should define if you should be considering adding a Trade Show to your marketing plan.

Definition

A Trade Show is a large event which brings together a collection of businesses that all exhibit their product or service for a few days to get brand exposure and new leads.

Trade Show Benefits

Depending on how well the event is advertised you can get a lot out of a trade show, not only is it good to exhibit at the right type of show, but it is also good for you to see who else is at the show, go and talk to the other businesses and scope out your competition whilst you are there. If you do not exhibit - it is really good for you to visit the trade show to check out the competition and also to speak to people who are there as visitors and as exhibitors. There are so many opportunities to be had you just have to take the blinkers off for a minute to see where they are. Look at it as networking with a massive group of people, but you only have a minute or so with each person - it\\'s like speed dating for business.

Pros

• You get a large amount of leads over the course of the event
• Its good brand exposure

Cons

• It is expensive to exhibit at Trade Shows
• You need marketing material to hand out
• You need to have at least 2 people on one stand (both of whom must be good at communicating)How to Implement this into your Business

Use our Event Calendar to find out what trade shows and expos are happening in your city, look at what types of Industries they target and who is likely to attend and who is likely to exhibit. Then contact the organiser for more info.

Use our Trade Show check list to make sure you have everything you need to make your trade show a success.

Follow up every lead you received, and every person who visited your stand once you get back

Tips

• Choose your trade shows carefully
• Visit one before you commit to exhibiting (this may be interstate)
• Be as organised as possible
• Book your space early so you are not left with the dregs
• Make sure you know what you have to take with you, most Trade Shows just give you a space and you have to provide the shell scheme and tables/chairs.
• Make sure you confirm everything - in writing
• Follow up afterwards otherwise there is little point in doing any of it.

Own Event Intro

Running your own event is a great way to thank your clients, launch a new product or thank your staff, it can be a great way to boost moral, expose your product and company as a leader in your field and it shows you are professional (if you pull it off).

Definition

Your own event can be a launch party, a networking event, a golf day, a gala dinner, a mini expo, a fun day - whatever, its all about portraying your company in a good light.

Own Event Benefits

Running an event yourself can be a great way to expose a new product or just expose your brand, philosophy, and products to an invited and desired group of companies or individuals.
It\\'s about brand exposure, profile building, building trust and showing how confident you are in not only your product, but your team when they interact with the guests.

Pros

• Great Brand exposure
• Good for a Launch party
• Boosts Staff Moral
• Great way to thank your staff and clients

Cons

• It costs money
• You do rely on people coming - so getting confirmed RSVP\\'s is essential
• Your need to be highly organised to pull it off

How to Implement this into your Business

• Work out particulars of the event
• Set up invite artwork
• Send invites out
• Log RSVP\\'s
• Book Venue, MC, Speakers, Caterers, Decorations and Entertainment
• Create marketing material including PowerPoint presentations
• Confirm RSVP\\'s and all booked services
• Follow up every lead you received, and every person who visited your event once back in the office.

Tips

• Be as organised as possible
• Book your venue early
• Make sure you confirm everything - in writing
• Follow up otherwise there is little point in doing any of it.