Critical Issues for Exhibitors

The Motivation Show

The following are critical issues for exhibitors before, during and after their trade shows.

1. Specify sales/marketing objectives to be achieved by trade show participation; a show should not be viewed as a separate event, but as part of an overall sales/marketing process.

2. Research and select the right show(s) to achieve your objectives: shows that will attract decision-making attendees interested in your product or service. Look carefully at the show's history, the companies that exhibit, and attendee profile information. Talk to exhibitors but recognize that you'll often get almost as many different answers as the people you ask.

3. Make your participation decision with sufficient lead time to plan properly for the show; 16 weeks is a rough minimum to take full advantage of the pre-show marketing opportunities and discounts.

4. Set specific, realistic sales objectives (e.g., number of qualified leads or new customers) for the show and plan strategies to achieve them.

5. Work with show management well in advance to find out requirements and restrictions, and find out what services they can provide (e.g., signage, rental of displays/furniture, hotel/transportation discounts, special entertainment or VIP services, pre-registration list of attendees for pre-show promotion). Make sure you get a copy of the exhibitors manual and review it carefully. Plan well in advance to get pre-show discounts on show services, and do as much paperwork in advance as possible to avoid at-show confusion.When planning for freight (drayage) within the hall, make sure to indicate that there will be less weight going out than coming in.

6. Plan and purchase your exhibit and display accessories to attract traffic and support your specific strategy. Look for ways to reduce the weight of your booth, since freight, both to and from the convention center as well as within the convention center, is a major part of your costs. Many convention centers allow companies to set up pop-up displays without use of labor.

7. Plan for and obtain ample supplies of whatever materials you will distribute or need at your booth, such as product literature, samples, price quotation forms, etc.; prepare a checklist for packing, including basics such as pens and businesss cards.

8. Coordinate pre-show direct mail, advertising, promotional, and public relations activities to complement show participation and to attract attendees to your exhibit. Check the exhibitors manual carefully for promotional programs being offered.

9. Select and train booth sales staff. They should have one-on-one sales skills, the ability to present information clearly and answer questions, and the stamina to perform for the show's duration. Successful exhibitors stand in front of their booth with a friendly, outgoing manner.

10. Have a system in place for lead qualification and follow-up. Prompt follow-up even before the show ends, if possible is critical. If you can, have someone do telephone follow-up after the show and database names of qualified buyers, even if they're not ready to buy immediately.

11. After the show, debrief staff involved and record what you should do differently next time. Measure the number of leads against your objectives.

We Are Experts At Trade Show Exhibits

Smash Hit Displays was formed in 2003 and offers portable show exhibits at wholesale pricing while at the same time offering unparalleled service. We specialize in exhibits and keep our prices low by low overhead. Our products are trade show exhibits; however, our main goal is to help you create successful show.

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Smash Hit Displays offers 1 year warranties to lifetime warranties on its products. We work with the best exhibit manufacturers to bring you the highest quality product at the most affordable price. Our displays and booths are a great value.

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We provide full support of all our products and are more than happy to work with you on any questions or concerns that you might have.

Contact Smash Hit Displays

Give Smash Hit Displays a call at 1.877.215.5355 to discuss trade show displays, exhibits, flooring and booths. Our knowledgeable customer service staff can help you plan your trade show display. You may send an email to our sales staff or through our "Contact Page" and they will answer any questions you may have about exhibits.

We Serve the U.S. and Ship Worldwide

Smash Hit Displays serves all US cities and every convention center in the United States. We have customers in Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan and through out the world.