Participating in a Trade Show? Set Your Objectives First

Participating in a Trade Show? Set Your Objectives First

Participating in a Trade Show? Set Your Trade Show Objectives First

 

The primary objective of any entrepreneur is to grow their business by reaching out to the maximum number of customers possible. While the process of expanding your business may be tedious, it is important for its overall growth.

One of the easiest ways in which both B2B and B2C companies can grow and promote their brand is by participating in trade shows.

Trade shows began as a tradition in medieval Europe with the sole purpose of creating a market for trade merchants. Traders and artisans would showcase and sell their products at these events.

As industrialization hit the globe, the practice started to spread. Today, these events serve as the best platform for companies to interact with investors, business partners and clients.

These days, companies decide to participate in trade shows for a number of reasons. Some attend when they want to launch a new product, others participate to gain more market visibility or simply to gather more leads. If you’re looking to attend a trade show in the near future, then it’s important that you set your objectives first.

Your trade show goals will dictate everything from your budget to your booth design and which event to attend, so it’s imperative that you learn how to set your objectives before you start preparing for the show.

 

Common Objectives

 

If you aren’t sure what your trade show objectives should be, here’s a look at some of the most common exhibit goals that brands set for themselves:

 

1. To Launch a Product

 

Trade shows serve as the ideal location to launch a new product to the masses. For a successful product launch at a trade show, let’s look at a few considerations that you should keep in mind:

Is the booth visually appealing and will it draw in the crowds I want?

Will I be providing live demonstrations of the new product?

Have I clearly outlined the benefits and advantages of this product over its competition in the market?

Will guests be provided with free samples of the product?

Do I require any special equipment to ensure that the product launch goes off without a hitch?

 

2. To Generate New Leads

 

For many companies, the entire point of exhibiting at a trade show is to capture the maximum number of leads.

These leads can turn into lasting relationships that could end up benefiting your brand for years to come.

Let’s take a look at a few things that should be considered if you’re heading to a trade show with the aim of generating leads:

Is there anything that is drawing attendees to the booth?

 Are my graphics captivating enough to keep people interested?

Can I use technology as a hook to get people to step into the booth and engage with staff?

Did I invite enough people and provide them with a map of the event so they can find my booth easily on a crowded show floor?

 

3. To Build Brand Awareness

 

In crowded and cluttered markets it has become increasingly difficult for newcomers to establish their brand as a force to be reckoned with.

Trade shows provide companies with the unique opportunity to get their company the kind of visibility it requires in an overcrowded market.

To help you achieve this goal, let’s take a look at a few important things to consider during the planning process:

Is my brand represented correctly and consistently across all my marketing platforms?

What can I do to create a memorable brand experience for visitors at the event?

What can I do to ensure that my booth stands out from the others on the show floor?

 

4. To Enter a New Market

 

Establishing your brand in a new market can be quite a task, but it isn’t impossible.

If this is your goal, here’s what you need to think about while gearing up for the show:

How am I different from the competition and how do I highlight this?

Does my exhibit clearly explain my offerings and what I do?

How do I highlight why attendees should choose me over the competition?

 

5. To Retain Current Clients

 

Many brands often forget how important it is to make their existing client base feel important and valued.

At trade shows, companies can connect with their customers and let them know that they’re willing to do what is required to retain them.

If this is what you’re hoping to achieve, then it’s also important to think about:

What can I offer my existing customers when they stop by the booth during the show?

Do I have a loyalty program that entices them to stick with my brand in the long run?

What can I do to help nurture my relationship with them at the show?

 

6. To Meet Partners in Person

 

The future of your business depends largely on your ability to forge new relationships with business partners and then maintain them over time.

At trade shows, you will have access to a plethora of companies who work in a similar space as you and could help you attain greater heights in the industry.

If this is your plan for an upcoming event, here’s what you need to keep in mind while building your booth:

What kind of businesses am I looking to partner with and how do I invite them to the booth?

Will decision makers from my company be available to sign deals on the spot?

Is there a safe space where negotiations can be carried out privately?

 

 Measuring Success

 

These are just a few ideas of what the most common trade show objectives are. Depending on your marketing plan, you may want to attend the trade show with other goals in mind.

While you’re formulating your goals, it’s important to utilize the SMART principle. This states that all your goals should be:

 

S – Specific

Your goals should tell you exactly what you want to achieve at the end of the event. You should ask yourself questions such as ‘What exactly do I want to achieve?’, ‘What are the conditions and limitations I might face?’, and ‘How and when do I need to achieve this goal?’

 

M – Measurable

To understand whether or not your trade show appearance has been successful, you must find a way to measure your goals. Instead of setting basic targets such as ‘increase client base’, set yourself a goal like ‘convert 5 potential leads into clients’. A measurable goal will help you quantify your success at an event.

 

A – Attainable

Unrealistic goals are one of the biggest issues that companies face on the circuit. If this is your first trade show, your goal should be to break even or go back with a nominal profit margin. If it’s your 4th or 5th, perhaps your goal could be to earn 20% interest on your investment.

If you go to your first exhibit expecting to double your investment in a single day, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Always ensure that your goals are realistic.

 

R – Relevant

The goals that you set for your company should be relevant to your current position in the market. If you’re a new company hoping to establish a name for yourself, setting a goal of completely 150 sales during the event is irrelevant.

Instead, think about setting lead generation goals, which will help you gain the attention and visibility you need in the market.

 

T – Timely

Every goal that you set for yourself should have a timeline. Timely goals will enable you to answer questions such as ‘When will I accomplish this goal?’, ‘What can I do exactly 4 months from today?’ and ‘What can I complete today?’

 

 

 Creating Booths That Work

 

Once you have set yourself SMART goals, you will be able to make important decisions regarding the look and feel of your booth. If you’re launching a new product, you’ll have to account for the kind of space you will need to do a live demo.

On the other hand, if your goal is to sign lucrative deals, your booth will have to accommodate a private meeting room where you and your client can look over the details of your arrangement.

Remember, your trade shows goals will be the guiding light that will help you create a spectacular booth that earns the attention of all the attendees. Of course, great goals won’t accomplish themselves.

You will need to come up with a stellar plan to execute your booth to perfection.

 

 

After the Event

 

Once the show is over, it’s vital that you take stock of everything that happened and see if you were able to accomplish all the goals and targets that you set for yourself.

If you did, great job! At the next event, try to raise the bar and do something new. If you didn’t, don’t worry.

Look back on where you might have made a mistake and see if you can rectify it at your next trade show. Always try and set yourself new goals for every event and use different strategies to achieve them.

This will enable you to gain a deeper understanding of what works best for you and your brand on the trade show circuit.

 

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