We’re not only experts on bringing weddings to life, but also conventions and trade shows. While the idea of a trade show can seem stressful and overwhelming, the Total Event team is here to help make sure you can get the most out of your experience. Don’t underestimate the importance of pre & post show marketing! Let attendees know that your company is going to be there, and then create an engaging booth to attract audiences. If you’re not sure where to get started, check out our pointers below to make sure you have a successful event!

Engaging Show Attendees

To engage show attendees and stand out from other booths, create a theme around your booth that ties into your main message. Keep your message relatively simple and interesting to try and attract show attendees with just a glance. To help keep them engaged, we suggest an interactive casino game or  a charging station with a relaxing lounge space! Your Total Events Specialist will be able to guide you in utilizing your booth space efficiently for creating maximum impact!

Logistics

Before you start to order anything, make sure to read through your Exhibitor Kit carefully. This Kit will explain what is included as part of your event participation and what is available at the facility. Some important items to note in the Kit:

• Is the space carpeted?

• What is included with the booth package?

• Where to order power or internet?

• Where to ship materials?

Speaking of Shipping

Many venues will not accept shipments and require someone from the Exhibiting company to be on hand to accept packages. You can ship directly to Total Events by ordering Drayage services. With Drayage Services, Total Events will deliver your package directly to your booth and after the show, coordinate with your shipper to return the items. The most important thing to remember is to clearly mark the packages you are having shipped to us. The Total Events team works on multiple shows at the same time and the venue where your show is being held may also be hosting multiple shows! Clearly labeling your packages, with the show name, Exhibitor Name, and booth number, will ensure all your packages will get to the right place on time for a perfect show! If you are using our Drayage services, it’s a good idea to call a few days prior to the show to make sure all of your packages have arrived to our warehouse. For return services, please make sure you have a pre-paid printed return labels for a timely return.

Order Early

So now that you have carefully read your exhibitor packet and you know what is included in your booth package, you can start planning everything else you need for an impactful booth and successful show. While we do have last minute orders available on site, those are based upon availability and are on a first-come, first-served basis. While we will do everything we can to accommodate orders, substitutions may have to be made for day-of orders if the equipment is not available.  Ordering early ensures that you will have everything you need for the show, and will be one less thing that you have to worry about at the show.

Pre & Post-Show Marketing

Now that your booth is planned out, it’s time to think about how to not only get show attendees to your booth, but how to engage with them after the show to maintain the relationship, make a sale, or sign a new client. With the pre-show email list, tease what you will be presenting at your booth including some of the more interactive elements such as a casino table, charging station, or giveaway. During the show come up with an easy system of exchanging contact information, so you can reach out to those who actually interacted with you after the show! Whether it’s a request box, contact form, or a more interactive means (like on an iPad), this will ensure your reaching out to those who actually showed interest in your company and not just everyone who attended the show.

The Total Events team is well versed in everything that goes into putting on a successful trade show and is here to help you along the way with any questions you may have. Are you ready to have a #TotalEventsTransformation at your next trade show? Contact one of our Event Specialist today!