What exhibitors can do to make booths and shows more successful

What Trade Show Managers Say

"Tradeshow Week" recently published results of its Annual Survey of Exposition Managers. The managers offered advice on strategies that exhibitors could pursue to make their booths and shows more successful.

On promotion and marketing
  • Don't cut back on marketing expenditures
  • Use pre-show marketing
  • Know your target market, send personal invitations, communicate, product and services clearly
  • Spend more time in follow-up
  • Train booth personnel thoroughly


On preparation and planning
  • Create a plan and work it
  • Educate staff in pre-, at- and post-show tactics
  • Sign up early and promote participation
  • Take advantage of advance discounts


On on-site performance
  • Bring your best and newest products and services
  • Create active and exciting displays
  • Be more aggressive and proactive
  • Have more knowledgeable staff
  • Take full advantage of the exhibit's design


On visibility
  • Increase visibility through sponsorships
  • Don't take yourself out of the game - downsize if necessary but don't cancel
  • Maintain a presence at long-standing major events


On communications
  • Communicate with customers frequently throughout the year