Wasted

Just do it…and do it right! That is my response always when anyone asks me about how to make a trade show work for you. Whether you are there as part of marketing, sales or public relations, remember, it all works together!

Just do it right, yes! Example – my credit union always attends our very large local annual Home Show, it is profitable for us! Great place for sales, recognition, expanding your brand, and developing relationships! What is the most important part our 4 days there? Having fun.

Fun for those working, fun for those attending!

So, our booth was by far the booth who spilt out into the aisles with fun. It always has been like that. First, it looks fun, second, we always have the best giveaways at the show. How do we know that, we have people asking other people where to get them, we have other vendors taking them and using them on display in their booths, we have people stop and talk about them. What else makes it fun, our staff. They know how to have fun, they know how to make it fun. They smile, they laugh, they chat and they giggle!

Our competitors pay double for a double booth, we pay for a single booth and invest that into fun; putting that extra money into what gets people to stop and talk to you!

We have our best friends at the show we see year to year in booths around us. It is like a reunion. We tell stories from years past (what happened to you know who did you know what); we support each other in times of trouble(no one is there); we exchange gossip from the show(don’t ask)

So where does the do it right, wasted part come in? It is dedicated to those who pay their money to be at a show and do everything to stop people from talking to them. I actually have the perfect example: the booth next to me this year. The two people in the booth next to us, set up their booth, tidied it up, got their chairs, sat in their chairs, put on their ipods, and read magazines. Wasted!!!!

Wasted time, money, opportunity, reputation and fun!