Trade Show Rules and Tips
Participating in trade shows can be a great opportunity to increase brand recognition and draw attention to your business. In reality, 97 percent of marketers have stated that trade shows have distinctive benefits that other forms of media do not.
Do you have the time for your very first tradeshow? Are you feeling a bit nervous about what you can anticipate? Are you confused about what you can or should not do during your visit?
If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions here are some important guidelines and tips for trade shows you must be aware of. These will help you blend into the experienced pros and give you a more enjoyable experience. The following tips will assist you in ensuring that you don’t violate any rules and end up with fines that can eat up your budget for exhibiting.
Get Your Trade Show Booth Accessible
If you’re planning your exhibit for an upcoming trade fair make sure that it’s in line with the standards set in place in the legislation of 1990, known as the Americans with Disability Act.
It is important to ensure that your exhibit is easily accessible to those who have disabilities, such as hearing impairment, physical disabilities as well as visually impaired. For instance, you could include ramps if your booth is located on a platform that is raised so that all visitors can use it, and also learn more about your company.
Research Electrical Regulations
Each trade show has its own regulations about the kind of electrical devices (cords power strips, cords, etc. that you can utilize).
Review the rules of the trade show you’ll attend to find out what they will and won’t allow in. This ensures that all the components of the trade show booth will be operating properly, and you will not have to worry about buying new equipment if you show up and find that the equipment isn’t to the standards.
Design Your Trade Show Display the Perfect Size
When putting together tradeshow exhibits, a lot of businesses adopt the DIY route to reduce the expense of building their booths. This isn’t a problem. When building your booth, be sure to take height requirements and limitations into consideration.
This will prevent you from having to show up with a structure that’s too big for the space where it’s set. Be sure to check the height limit prior to your arrival so that you don’t get punished with a penalty or have to modify the structure of your booth at the end of the day.
Take Into Consideration Music that is Royalty-Free
Music that is fun and well-known is the best way to draw the attention of people and bring people to come to your booth. Keep in mind that the music you play will be subjected to copyright law and you could be required to pay a significant amount of money for the use of a specific song.
If you’re operating on an extremely limited budget, this is probably not the best decision to make with your money. It’s better to use royalty-free music in order to avoid numerous fees that aren’t needed (and possible fines if do not have permission to use music).
Keep in Mind the Line-of Sight Rule
In simple terms, the rule of line of sight stipulates that you can’t put any objects that are larger than four feet tall within the front portion of your booth. Also, you should not put up anything that blocks the view of people sitting in the booth behind the booth.
Sometimes, it is possible to circumvent this requirement when the people who are who are in the booth right next to you are willing to allow you to put up something in a certain area. It is necessary to convince them, however, to get an exemption from the trade show officials.
Keep Your Eyes on the Constrictions of Your Booth
Apart from observing the rule of a line of sight, you’ll also have to ensure that you’re staying within the boundaries of your exhibit.
In essence, you can’t use any “guerilla-marketing” strategies to lure customers to come to your booth. You must remain within the space you’ve rented, and let people visit you.
However, this doesn’t mean you cannot invite people to your booth. Moving around on the show floor taking visitors to your booth or offering the attendees samples of your goods is not a good idea.
Beware of Food and Drinks with Caution
Trade shows typically have strict rules that must be adhered to regarding food and beverages.
The rules for each show differ from show to show however, most require you to sign a waiver and pay a cost to the caterer of the venue before you are allowed to serve any type of beverages in your exhibit (unless it’s a food or beverage business specifically). If you’re planning to serve alcohol at your booth, it will have to be served by an employee of the bar at the venue, as well.
Maintain Your Booth
Whatever size your booth for the trade show is, or the type of items you’re offering ensure that you maintain it neatly throughout the day. This not only reflects positively on your business and aids in building trust with prospective customers and clients, but it also helps protect you from a potential penalty for the location of your trade show.
Be Sure That Your Booth is Clean and Well-Staffed
Your booth must be adequately staffed. Be sure to have enough attendees at the show to ensure that the booth is manned. You don’t want to miss the potential lead generation or sales opportunities simply because the booth was empty, while the only worker was running to get drinks or go to the bathroom.
Make Sure You Practice Good Communication
Make sure you are a good communicator when speaking to people who visit your stand. You have only seven seconds to create your impression at the very least, and you must be sure to make the most of it. Remember, smiling is also a way to communicate!
They’ll be speaking to a variety of different companies throughout the event too which is why you’ll need to show them you’re excited and enthusiastic about your products or services if you would like them to remember you after the event has ended.
Attending your very first trade show could be quite intimidating, but don’t let the fear stop you from enjoying a wonderful experience.
Make sure you adhere to the exhibiting rules and regulations that are listed above, and you’ll have a better fit in, avoid excessive costs, and feel at ease at your next event.
