What Exhibition Show?
To find out, get as much information as possible about the show you're considering
- Ask show organisers for a copy of last year's registration form, and an attendee profile. This will tell you who you'll meet on the show floor.
- Don't be shy about asking for the names of other confirmed exhibitors, and search the list for your competitors.
- Ask past exhibitors and attendees what they liked and disliked about the show, and whether it met their buying and selling needs.
- Ask show management how they plan to promote the show, and what they will do to help your ideal prospect find you there.
Your answers to these questions form the specific objectives you need to set to be a successful exhibitor. And remember, the objectives you set should be measurable and obtainable. If you set a specific number of leads to generate or units to sell, you will find it much easier to judge your success at the end of the show. Setting challenging goals for performance is important, but don't be unrealistic - you want to succeed!
It is not enough to select an exhibition because the sales force believe the company ought to exhibit or because the organisers claim your competitors will be present.
Exhibition Objectives
Before you book the space and pay the deposit, ask yourself some straightforward questions:
- Why am I exhibiting at this show?
- What products/services will I be showing?
- What do I want to accomplish here?
- What will I be doing to achieve the results?
- What image do I want to project?
- How does this specific exhibition fit into my broader sales and marketing plans?
Your answers to these questions form the specific objectives you need to set to be a successful exhibitor. And remember, the objectives you set should be measurable and obtainable. If you set a specific number of leads to generate or units to sell, you will find it much easier to judge your success at the end of the show. Setting challenging goals for performance is important, but don't be unrealistic - you want to succeed!
Companies choose to exhibit for the following reasons:
- Build Sales
- Customer relationships
- Market research
- Media relations/PR
- Channel building and support