Trade Show Booth Etiquette: Having A Successful Event

Some companies think that they don't need to do anything special to make sure their trade show displays get noticed. They think if they use eye-catching table top displays, banner stands or other types of displays, customers will flock to their booth. This may be the case sometimes, but to really have a successful event, make sure your employees are following proper event etiquette. These small behaviors can make a big difference.

Pay Special Attention To Current Customers Who Visit Your Trade Show Stand

The goal of trade show displays is to collect leads for future sales. While this is incredibly important, it's not the only thing your employees should worry about. Make a point to know if any current customers will be attending the event and greet them by name, if possible. They'll be flattered that you remember and appreciate their business and will be less likely to seek out your competitor's trade show booth. You may even want to give extra important clients a small token of your appreciation, but just make sure to make it a small one or something useful like a canvas carry bag with your logo on it. Trade show booth attendees can often get bogged down by giveaways and promotional materials and likely won't want to carry something heavy for the rest of the event.

Trade Show Booth Etiquette: Having A Successful Event

Be Attentive, Not Aggressive

You know that guy - the one who calls everyone over in an aggressive manner or the one who reads attendees' nametags as they walk by to try to create a false, personal connection. While that guy might think he's meeting a lot of people and networking for future business, what he's really doing is alienating and annoying potential clients. Instead, act normal and be interested in potential customers without going over the top. Ask natural questions about their business and not just about how your product relates to their company.

Don't Disparage The Competition

Your mom always said, 'If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all.' This is especially true when working at a trade show booth. While you might think another company's table top displays are looking run down, or that their product isn't as good as yours, it's not a good idea to share this with other attendees or exhibitors. Let them come to their own conclusions about another company's products and only speak positively if someone else tries to bad-mouth another exhibitor. Others will remember you positively and that can only help your business.

These aren't the only etiquette tips that can help you have a successful trade show stand. Make a list of the most common dos and don'ts and go over them as a refresher before taking a trade show booth and table top displays on the road to a new event. This can help ensure that any new employees understand how to treat other attendees and exhibitors each and every time.