Pedigree Technologies attends many different trade shows, conferences, and expos throughout the year. Whether you have plans to be an exhibitor or an attendee at an upcoming show, you'll want to check out our tips to ensure your event is productive and profitable.
Our own trade show veteran, Jake Krieg, offers his insight into how you can get the most from your next expo or conference.
Exhibitors – 4 tips to ensure you gather quality leads at an event
Remember your target market. Register for trade shows or events in locations and industries where you want to grow or nourish your customer base. After each event, assess expenses, leads gathered and resulting sales revenue. This information will help you determine which events are worthwhile next year.
Build a buzz. Before the expo, check in with customers and prospects in the area to get people to the event. Jake says, “Before the expo, I make sure I touch base with anyone I know who will be there. While I’m making calls, meeting with people or sending emails, I ask contacts if I will see them there.” Before heading to the show, Jake enters notes in his phone about people he’s expecting to see. This allows him to keep track of his customers and prospects without being tied to a computer.
Work the room. If traffic is slow at the event, don’t just sit around. Look for more ways to drive traffic to your booth. If you find yourself twiddling your thumbs, get on your phone and contact prospects and customers in the area to let them know they can catch up with you at the event. Jake also recommends doing a lap of the exhibit hall and networking with other vendors and existing customers.
Get it on paper. Set aside a few hours immediately following the event to input notes, information and contacts into your customer relationship management system. When you get back to your hotel room or office after the event, while the day is still fresh in your mind, jot down any notes about conversations, action items or potential leads.
Attendees – 4 ways to make the most of your time at an event Jake said his favorite part of going to expos is that he gets to meet new people and connect with contacts that he doesn’t get to see very often. If you want to make sure your time attending an event is a success, check out these tips that will help you make the most of your time.
Check out the event website. Before heading to the event, check the website for a list of exhibitors, speakers and attractions. Check out the event schedule and the map of the booth assignments. This will help you navigate the sea of people and exhibits and ensure you don’t miss opportunities to connect.
Wear comfortable shoes. You will likely be doing quite a bit of walking and standing and you don’t want to be thinking about your feet when you’re talking to an important contact.
Let vendors prep information you might need. Before the event, contact any exhibitors you want to speak with to make sure they know you’re going to be at the event. This will allow them to prep for your conversation and it allows them to gather any relevant information you might need.
Bring lots of business cards. Whether you’re going to the expo to find a new service vendor, to find a job, or simply to network and conduct research, make sure you bring business cards so you can exchange them with all of the people you meet.
We know expos can be a bit overwhelming, but prepping before you go will help you get the most out of the show.