Why It’s So Important to Look Sharp at Trade Shows

We’ve all heard the expression, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” This is particularly relevant for any company that is making its first appearance at an industry trade show.

If you’ve decided to take a space at a trade show you certainly have high hopes that it will generate relationships, leads, and awareness for your business. This is why, even though we are living in a digital world, trade shows are still important. While the digital aspect of trade shows often plays a major role in presentation the digital world has yet to provide a forum for meeting relevant industry peers and prospects face-to-face in the same way a trade show offers.

Even if you don’t yet have a huge budget for your exhibition space, you can still make a big impression. Before you take the leap and think that merely being present at a trade show is enough, read through the research that I’ve provided below from the Center for Exhibition Industry Research to inspire you to get your act together prior to stepping into such an important arena. And keep in mind that Gossett Marketing can get you spiffed up for your very first foray into a trade show or your fiftieth.

14 Statistics that Reveal Why Trade Shows are Still Relevant

 

1. 99% of exhibitors find unique value delivered by B2B tradeshows that are not provided by other marketing channels.

 

2. 90% of tradeshow attendees have not met face-to-face with any companies exhibiting at the show in the 12 months prior to the event.

 

3. 50% of attendees have not been to another show in the previous year.

 

4. 46% of executive decision makers made purchase decisions while attending a show.

 

5. 92% of tradeshow attendees come to see and learn about what’s new in products and services.

 

6. The cost of a face-to-face meeting with a prospect at a tradeshow is $142. The cost of a face-to-face meeting at a prospect’s office is $259.

 

7. Over 50% of the tradeshow attendees are there for the first time. Since new players in the industry emerge each year, a tradeshow is an ideal place to meet these people.

 

8.  77% of executive decision makers found at least one new supplier at the last show they attended.

 

9.  51% of tradeshow attendees requested that a sales representative visit their company after the show.

 

10.  76% of executive decision makers asked for a price quotation at the last show they attended.

 

11.  88% participate in trade shows to raise awareness of the company and its brand.

 

12.  72% participate to get leads from new buyers and prospects.

 

13.  70% to strengthen relationships or partnerships.

 

14.  65% attend to see current clients – it is harder to get face-to-face time with clients.

 

Whatever your reasons for having a booth at a trade show, don’t be the one exhibitioner that looks as if you just threw stuff on a table. Let us help you present the sharpest image possible for your budget.

While we can’t do much for your business the day before an event, with a little lead time we can help you start small with some nicely designed branding pieces such as custom imprinted table throws, logo literature, pop-up tabletop displays and even a handout gift for attendees. You can also have a good tabletop display for under $400!  Remember, presentation is everything!