10 Tips for Success at Your Next Business Exhibition

Check out best tips and top strategies for getting success at your next business exhibition, event or trade show & attract people in an expo

By Claudio Pires
Updated on December 9, 2023
10 Tips for Success at Your Next Business Exhibition

Check out the best tips and top strategies for getting success and attract people at your next business exhibition, expo event, or trade show to maximize crowd impact, generate a good first impression, and have a better return on your investment.

1. Know your audience and focus your exhibit on their needs

Take the time to identify your perfect prospect for your product or service at each show. Select the most appropriate solutions to present in your exhibit to your target audience. Keep those solutions top-of-mind when creating your exhibit’s messaging, focusing on your products’ benefits and how they’ll solve attendees’ problems.

2. Identify and prioritize the top three reasons why you’re exhibiting

You may be exhibiting to gather qualified sales leads, promote new products, enhance your corporate brand, educate your audience, cement existing client relationships, conduct business meetings, obtain press/media coverage, recruit distributors/dealers/representatives/employees, perform competitive/market research, or attend educational sessions. Focus on these reasons when making your strategic and spending decisions.

3. Set strategic, measurable show goals: Success business exhibition tips

Establish realistic goals based on your target market as a percentage of anticipated show attendance, the number of exhibiting hours, exhibit size, staffing, and budget. Predetermine how you will measure success when the show’s over. Keep reading to tips and top strategies for getting success at your next business exhibition, event, or trade show.

4. Identify the products or services you’ll showcase

“New” is the most powerful word on the show floor. New products are attendee magnets! If you have a large product line, display only a pertinent sample to attract people in an expo. Trade show attendees want to interactively experience your product or service in your exhibit, not just walk through or past it.

5. Design an attractive, functional, uncluttered exhibit

Business event trade show attract people in expo

Keep your exhibit open and inviting. Don’t block more than 20% of the aisle with counters, walls, or surplus exhibit staff. Use color, light, and movement to attract attendees. Then keep them in your booth using engaging presentations, hands-on demos, “info-tainment,” and a professional staff. Continue to explore top tips and strategies for achieving success at your next business exhibition, event, or trade show.

6. Use high-impact graphics focusing on your prospects’ needs

Plan your graphics as large, colorful visual speed bumps to attract attendees’ attention and communicate your message. Effective graphics create an interest in your product or service by telling potential prospects what your product can do for them in about 3-1/2 seconds, the time it takes to walk past a 10’ x 10’ booth.

7. Be proactive in inviting your most-wanted list of qualified attendees to stop by

Industry studies have shown that an exhibitor can double the number of qualified leads at a show with effective pre-show and at-show promotional campaigns.

8. Prepare your exhibit staff for “show business.” Success business exhibition tips

Trade shows are a different model of sales opportunity with unique challenges. Just like you wouldn’t send an actor on stage without a script, a rehearsal with other actors and props, don’t expect your exhibit staff to perform unprepared in your exhibit. Continue to explore top tips and strategies for achieving success at your next business exhibition, event, or trade show.

9. Use giant inflatables to get noticed above the crowd

Giant inflatables are a fun, easy way to advertise your business, build brand awareness, and connect with your customers. They are perfect for drawing customers and visitors to your stand, generating that all-important buzz around your business. Glow inflatables is a go-to source for fun, creative, and even giant inflatables perfect for exhibitions and trade shows.

10. Follow up with your leads Success business exhibition tips

After the show, follow up with your leads within 48 hours. Send them a personalized email or letter, thanking them for visiting your exhibit and offering them additional information about your products or services.

I hope these tips help you succeed at your next business exhibition!

Claudio Pires

Claudio Pires is the co-founder of Visualmodo, a renowned company in web development and design. With over 15 years of experience, Claudio has honed his skills in content creation, web development support, and senior web designer. A trilingual expert fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, he brings a global perspective to his work. Beyond his professional endeavors, Claudio is an active YouTuber, sharing his insights and expertise with a broader audience. Based in Brazil, Claudio continues to push the boundaries of web design and digital content, making him a pivotal figure in the industry.