Tradeshow Booth Pointers: Be a Host and an Attendee

At tradeshows you have the opportunity to be both a gracious host and an attentive attendee. Here are some tips

for navigating both roles with ease.

Be a Host

As when hosting any party or gathering, you want to make sure visitors to your booth are happy and engaged, and leave believing it was worth their time.

When you’re at your booth…

Greet prospects in the aisle

Use your product demo or giveaways to engage people – “play” and invite them to do the same

Ask visitors questions: What do they do? What are they looking for at the show? Etc.

Exchange Twitter handles with your guests to connect later

Take pictures and tweet them (remember to usethe show hashtag, e.g., #OpticsPhotonics)

Use the visitor lounge to make calls, check email and grab a quick snack

Don’t…

Spend the whole time hiding behind the table, or your laptop or phone – get out and meet people

Leave your booth unattended – if you need a break, ask a booth neighbor to cover for you

Let laptop bags, purses, or other personal belongings clutter the booth area

Be an Attendee

When your not manning your booth, explore the rest of the show. Visit people who haven’t already visited you, or view a demonstration and learn something new.

If you’re walking the show, or if there’s downtime…

Visit a fellow exhibitor. − Learn about emerging technologies or industry trends.

− Bring giveaways to exhibitors who might be prospects.

− Tweet about other companies.

− Leave your business card with people you visit.

Take advantage of demonstrations, forums, and other events offered.− Bring your business card for networking.

− Ask questions or offer constructive commentary.

− Tweet about the presentation or review it on your blog after it’s done.

Don’t…

Sit on the sidelines. Yes, you should observe, listen, and learn, but remember, you have something to offer, too. So share it! Even if it’s your first time at a show or you’re just walking it, there are still plenty of opportunities to get in the tradeshow game.

Engage with people who aren’t relevant to you. Being a social butterfly doesn’t mean you have to talk to everyone in attendance. Be selective and visit the people who make the most sense for your goals.

Don’t be a benchwarmer

boothwarmer!

More from the PLS Blog

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What items to order for your tradeshow booth, when

Best practices for tradeshow lead follow-up

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