After two years of canceled events, tradeshows and expos are back! We’ve all made the best of virtual corporate events during the COVID pandemic, but nothing beats making new contacts in person. There’s one problem, though: We’re all a bit rusty! If you’re struggling to figure out how to plan and prepare for a trade show, we have you covered. Below, you’ll find our top tips for making a great impression at your next corporate event, and we’ll also share some trade show marketing ideas.
How To Present Yourself at a Tradeshow
1. Be Confident
It can be difficult to be outgoing, especially if you are an introvert. Remind yourself that you know your company’s products/services inside and out, and participants are there because they want to hear about them. So don’t hesitate to approach people and initiate conversation. As one photographer says in an article about planning for a trade show, “Being confident can be your best selling point.”
2. Don’t Memorize Your Spiel
While it’s important to know all the details about your company, you shouldn’t simply recite a speech to each potential client. Make sure you stay in the moment, listen, and ask questions. Plus, you should always “tailor your conversation to fit the industry, interests, pain points, and specialties of the people you’re talking to.”
3. Be Professional, But Approachable
A professional demeanor shows potential clients that they can trust you and your company. Being friendly, however, is just as important. It invites people to ask questions and learn more. Focus on maintaining an open posture and making eye contact. And depending on your industry, you may consider wearing a branded polo instead of a full suit.
4. Represent Your Brand Well
When thinking about how you want to exhibit at your next trade show, it’s important to remember that you are there to represent your company. Your approach should always reflect your brand, and that brand identity can help you decide on your level of formality and topics of conversation.
5. Be Memorable
You want people to remember your company long after they leave the expo floor, so they’ll come to you when they need your services. That’s where corporate merch comes in! When you add your logo to high-quality merch that people want to use, potential clients will remember your company every time they see your logo.
Custom Tradeshow Giveaway Buyers Guide
Finding ideas for your table display at trade shows can be a lot of work. We’ve done that work for you with this handy buyers guide! Here are just a few examples of the custom giveaway items available through Merchology:
With thousands of options available from trusted brands, you can find a great fit for your company at Merchology.
Contact Us
Contact a Merchologist today for more trade show marketing and giveaway ideas. We can help you find the perfect branded merch to make a lasting impression.