1. Before exhibition/trade fair - Communicate with exhibition visitors (or your key customers) ahead of the exhibition, by mailing a creative branded lightweight 'teaser' to build awareness of your stand location and add a compelling reason to visit your stand.

Idea :: Create an 'incentive' to visit e.g. bring along the mailing piece to collect a gift. This idea will give you the opportunity to measure results.

2. PR - Alert media to your exhibition participation and advise show organisers of anything special you may be doing (e.g. competition) for further profile.

Idea :: Make use of all the available PR available through the exhibition organisers and trade or appropriate mainstream media. Don't forget social media such as twitter.

3. Get the Look - Branded apparel will ensure you are visible (on and off your exhibition space) and can be used to enhance the theme of your stand (via colour or style) or draw attention to a special offer or message.

Idea :: Choose a t-shirt, formal shirt or polo to "brand" all participating staff. This will create a 'walking billboard' for your brand / message.

4. Show Time - Have a bowl of branded sweets to add colour or small promotional products to encourage visitors to stop at your stand (these should complement your business and exhibition theme and appeal to your target audience by having a perceived value). This will enable you to interact and exchange valuable information.

Use more substantial branded gifts for the key face to face contacts you meet ... ideally, for post exhibition follow up meetings or communication, to develop closer connection.

Idea :: Competitions are always appealing. They enable you to collect business cards or visitor details for after show follow up. Use a branded gift to entice people to enter. Stage the competition at specific times in the day so visitors come back to your stand (add a proviso that the winner must be present). *

*ensure you check with authorities** regarding registration requirements for staging a promotion or competition (** eg. NSW Office of Liquor Gaming and Racing)

5. Selection of Promotional Gift - This is important. The promotional gift should reflect something your target market will appreciate, find useful and carry home easily ... and link with you for long term recognition.

The cost doesn't have to be huge, however, it should be memorable and reflective of your identity (including colour and branding style or the key message you want to convey).

6. Post Show mailing - Record and follow up all visitors to your stand after an event (this is probably the most common mistake exhibitors make). Reaffirm the benefits of your services and include more comprehensive literature for qualified contacts.

article produced by: Thrive Promotional Products and Corporate Gifts - 2010-2012 (copyright)

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For an obligation free chat about your corporate gift, promotional product or hamper needs, please contact us on 02 9977 0215 or email immediately :: info@thrivepromotional.com.au ::