Top 15 Reasons Why Exhibit At Trade Shows
If you ask a successful trade show veteran the question, “Why exhibit at trade shows?” you should be ready to hear an enthusiastic list of reasons. From increasing your customer base to creating new advertising opportunities, the power of trade shows is impressive. Below are 15 top reasons to exhibit at trade shows. We also have advice on designing for your next show if that is a concern.
1) Showcase your newest products
Trade shows are one of the best venues to feature your latest cutting-edge product offerings. Nothing beats a hands-on demonstration of an innovative product. Also, trade shows provide a captive audience. As you demonstrate your products, remember to show attendees exactly how your product will help them.
2) Expand your customer base
Every attendee badge that you scan is another notch on your customer belt. Larger trade shows can produce hundreds of qualified leads, laying the foundation for new client sales during and after the show. These new leads should help the home team understand why exhibit at trade shows!
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Economical Fabric Tube Frame Displays
3) Close sales
Many trade show attendees enter an exhibit hall with one goal in mind: to take advantage of special trade show pricing and offers. Attendees are specifically seeking solutions to problems they encounter on a regular basis. This means they are often ready to invest in a good solution on the spot.
4) Keep an eye on your competition
Maintaining a competitive edge in your industry requires you to know your key competitors. Trade shows allow you to size up your competitors in person and see how they are marketing their products.
5) Take advantage of advertising opportunities
As trade show exhibitors, you will have a plethora of chances to advertise your brand. For instance, many trade shows have auctions that advertise products and services that are donated by exhibitors.
6) Expand your distributor network
Industry trade shows are full of vendors and product distributors who are always looking for good products to add to their repertoire. One new distributor relationship forged at a trade show can lead to a significant increase in your revenue. And who knows - the exhibitor across the aisle from your booth may turn out to be your future business partner.
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7) Meet face to face with your remote customers
Industry trade shows are increasingly attracting customers from across the globe. For instance, the annual Arab Health Conference in Dubai is one of the largest healthcare trade shows in the world. Roughly 4,000 companies from the U.S. and across the globe exhibit their products to their customers who travel to the expo from over 160 countries.
8) Exposure in the exhibitor guide
Nearly every trade show has an exhibitor guide that is provided to every trade show attendee. Most exhibitor guides will list the names and company descriptions of exhibitors. These books will also tell you who should exhibit, and the reasons why to exhibit at their trade show. As an exhibitor, you often have the opportunity to purchase additional advertising space in the exhibitor guide.
9) Confirm that you are a serious player in your industry
By exhibiting your products and services at a trade show, you are solidifying your company’s industry presence. Thus, just your presence at the trade show will build your company’s status as a legitimate resource for industry solutions.
10) Move your excess inventory
If your warehouse is busting at the seams with excess inventory, you can offer special pricing on overstocked items. You can also bring some items with you to use as giveaways to key customers.
11) Expand your industry contacts
As a trade show exhibitor, you will have access to the exhibitor handbook and contact information of the other companies that are participating in the expo. These contacts may prove to be valuable to you in the future.
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12) Obtain feedback and opinions from customers
One of the best ways to improve your brand is to seek feedback from existing customers and prospects. You can accomplish this with the help of a short survey of attendees. Surveys can provide valuable information regarding customer preferences and frustrations. Ultimately, surveys can help you improve your trade show performance, providing ample reason to exhibit at trade shows.
13) Recruit new employees
Trade shows are full of accomplished industry professionals. Some of these individuals are in search of a new employer. Your next great sales representative could be the enthusiastic trade show attendee who stops by your booth and falls in love with your latest product.
14) Reaffirm confidence among existing clients
Your company’s continued presence at trade shows from one year to the next, shows your customers that your company is alive and well. This is especially important to international customers who attend trade shows specifically to meet face to face with suppliers.
15) Explore new product offerings
Companies seeking to expand their range of product offerings should ramp up their trade show participation. Trade shows are a great place to find manufacturers of products that complement your current product line.
16) Why Exhibit At Trade Shows
Clearly, there are lots of benefits of exhibiting at trade shows. Trade show participation opens a multitude of doors for companies seeking to expand their industry presence. By exhibiting your products at industry trade shows, you can showcase your company’s latest products, attract new customers, and maintain a competitive edge in your field - and if you would like some help selecting the best trade show solutions, please reach out - we're happy to help!
