Author:
Cassie Scott
With your booth secured, badge acquired and hotel reservation made, you might feel ready to conquer the world at this year’s ATA Trade Show. But just because you’re at the Show, it doesn’t mean attendees will find you. Use these tactics to draw them to your booth and increase business opportunities.
Promote Your Booth on Social Media
Build pre-event interest by promoting your booth on social media. Post pictures, videos or interesting information to intrigue your online audience. Don’t forget to include your booth number and location so attendees can easily find you. To maximize exposure, post on your own social media accounts, as well as the ATA’s Trade Show social media accounts. You can also run a personal ad on your website and use the ATA eBooth promotion widget to advertise your presence at the Show.
Sponsorships are deigned to help give your company visibility. Photo Credit: ATA
Use Sponsorships
Sponsorships are a good way to be recognized, increase traffic and sales at your booth, and show industry support. Choose a sponsorship that meets your marketing needs and promotional goals. Many sponsorship opportunities are still available. Showcase a new or updated product in the Show’s Featured Products area. Highlight a Show special or giveaway in the Big Buck Tags coupon book. Or provide an insert, such as a DVD, brochure, product sample, memory stick or a fun widget, in the Goodie Bag. You can also buy banners, column wraps, floor clings and wall clings to advertise your business. These opportunities maximize your influence and increase visibility for a competitive advantage.
For more information, check out ATA’s sponsorship opportunities or contact Becky Lux, ATA’s senior Trade Show manager, at (507) 233-8132 or beckylux@archerytrade.org.
Host a Booth Event
A celebrity signing, product demonstration or another booth event can give exhibitors a huge edge. Attendees flock to booth events to be involved in something cool or special. Know your audience and make the event something they’ll want to attend. Then promote the can’t-miss opportunity on social media, at your booth and in the 2019 Show Guide so people can learn about it.
Log in to the Exhibitor Service Center to submit your booth event to be included in the 2019 Show Guide. Contact , ATA’s senior manager of Trade Show, at (507) 233-8132 or beckylux@archerytrade.org if you need assistance.
Videos and slideshows are eye-catching and give the visitors information about you that they might not have known. Photo Credit: ATA
Play a Video or Slideshow
Big screens with eye-catching images and themes create a wow-factor. Pair those elements with a powerful, emotional story that people relate to, and you’ll attract a crowd. Maybe your company history has a good back-story that’s worth sharing. Or perhaps teaching someone how to use a product to avoid injuries will empower them to learn more. If you put a few chairs in front of the screen, someone with tired feet might capitalize on the opportunity. And if the media presentation went well, they might get more than they bargained for and want to invest in your brand or place a product order. Win-win!
Offer Something Unique
Make your booth stand out with a fun, unique and interactive attraction. You can set up a game, run a contest or host a friendly competition. Trivia games, photo booths and putting greens are all good ideas that excite and engage attendees. Heck, even offering free bottled water might attract folks to your booth. You can also hand out hats, stickers, bracelets or other wearables. Ask folks to wear your promotional items for a chance to win a prize at the end of the Show. Once the word spreads, folks will stop by and ask to participate, which increases your booth traffic and brand exposure.
Don't overwhelm the customer with too many visuals. Keep it simple and clean. Photo Credit: ATA
Create an Organized Booth
Your booth’s layout and general look and feel influences whether attendees will wander into – or away from – your set-up. Organize your booth so attendees can easily navigate the area. Don’t crowd the space or overwhelm someone’s senses with noise, colors or graphics. A simple, clean booth with a video or other attraction will bode well for business.
Designate Staff Greeters
Greeters can help create a positive first impression and welcome people into your booth. Place staff members at the edge of your booth to greet folks as they walk by during the Show. This proactive approach puts your business in front of retailers, rather than expecting them to come to you. Plus, attendees will enjoy the personal attention and invitation.
No matter what strategy (or strategies) you use to entice attendees to your booth, once they’re there make the most of the moment. Share your sales pitch, ask them to join your mailing list or walk them through your products and Show specials.
For more information about exhibiting at the Trade Show, read these ATA articles:
