5. Decide on Giveaway Items
Giveaway items or 'freebies' should be more than a trendy trinket with your
corporate logo on it. Ideally, these items are something that enhance your
corporate image, will be used regularly by your target audience and keep your
company logo in regular view.
Avoid items that will be passed along to children, such as cuddly toys, or are so insignificant that they are likely to be tossed. Four things to remember about giveaway items:
- Giveway items should reinforce your marketing message
- Make your giveaway business oriented
- Don't be trendy! It is better to be unique and cutting edge.
- Toys and gimmicky gizmos are always, always, always passed along to children.
Unless your primary buyers are still in preschool, avoid them.
6. Plan Hospitality.
As more and more companies begin to do business on a global scale, marketing
strategies change. Buyers from Europe and Asia expect a certain amount of
hospitality at trade shows. In fact, these features are an integral part of the
International business scene.
Many relationships that begin in 'social' environments flower into profitable business. Consider if any of the following will work for you:
- Hospitality Suite
- Meal Style Events
- Sponsorship
7. Mind the Details.
More often than not, it is the little things that can stymie the most
well-intentioned promotional efforts. Attendees will easily get frustrated and walk
away if what they perceive as a minor need cannot be met - and they won't be walking
away with a good impression. For that reason, make sure the following matters are
attended to:
- The booth number must be clearly printed on all promotional material. People
cannot visit you if they cannot find you.
- Extra supplies of literature, catalogs, and sales material should be available.
- Clear, concise, and correct information must be listed in the show guide.
- Adequate supplies of visitor tickets, free passes to hospitality suites or events, and similar items should be on hand.
Written by Susan A. Friedmann, CSP, The Trade Show Coach, Lake Placid, NY, author: "Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies," working with companies to improve their meeting and event success through coaching, consulting and training. Visit The Trade Show Coach for a free copy of 10 Common Mistakes Exhibitors Make.