And that’s a wrap on CMEExpo 2023!
We hope that everyone had a great time. As our staff meandered through the endless booths at the show, we were able to learn some valuable lessons about what it takes to have a successful trade show booth. Here are a few tips for upcoming shows.
1. Confidence is key!
When it comes to staffing a booth and drawing people in, confidence plays a key role. A confident staffer with a warm smile and welcoming demeanor really works wonders. Approachable staff who are eager to chat up attendees will guarantee more interest in your product/service/destination/venue. Someone who sits toward the back of the booth with their face buried in their phone will act as a barrier. People will be less inclined to ask questions or even approach a booth.
2. Have business cards
You don’t want to be caught without any business cards if someone asks. Maybe you ran out (which is actually a great thing), but try not to let that happen. Come fully stocked or have an electronic version available. There’s no point in having a full booth if the attendees can’t contact you afterwards.
3. People love food
Having a snacky-snack at your booth is a bigger incentive than you think. People love treats! We saw all kinds of things over the last couple days: espresso-covered ice cream, fresh muscles, pressed juices, Nanaimo bars, decadent cookies and a few adult beverages. While these types of takeaways are enjoyable, people appreciate smaller gestures as well – a small chocolate bar, gum, mints or the ever popular maple candy. a bowl of goodies at your booth will bring in the attendees, trust us!
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4. Interactive activities win
Engaging activations or activities will leave attendees remembering your booth and your product. From temporary tattoos and selfie booths, to competitive games and video presentations, a little interaction will liven up your subject matter (even if it’s already pretty exciting).
5. Rests are needed
Feel like you’re seeing more lounge areas at booths? We do, and boy is it appreciated! After walking through rows and rows of clients and vendors, it’s nice to get off your feet. Many booths were furnished with living-room-type seating, including coffee tables, to get relaxed and have a conversation. Inviting attendees to have a seat rather than rushing them through a conversation can allow you to dig deeper into what you’re promoting.
There’s more to come from the CMEExpo recap, but that’s a start. We were so happy to see everyone at the show and can’t wait for the next one!
Excellent ideas! I also have found over the decades of attending and exhibiting at a variety of trade shows, the success of your participation depends a LOT on what you do before, during AND after the show. Setting up meetings before, being engaged and present at the show, and follow-up after the show is key. And do as much as you can to elicit engagement from everyone passing by your booth (which MUST have a clear message on who you are and the problem you solve – I can’t tell you how many booths I’ve walked by and within 5-6 seconds I have no idea what they offer). Oh, and of course, I always wear my illuminated name badge to spark conversations (https://www.davidgilbertvoiceover.com/theidbadge). Cheers!