Your Trade Show Promotional Item

It is hard to find money in the budget for marketing. Furthermore, it hard to find money in the marketing budget for trade show exhibits. Even beyond that, it is hard to justify the additional funds for a promotional giveaway at the trade show. So, why do it? What is the point, and more importantly, is there a return on your investment?

It all really depends on the quality and originality of your giveaway. It is hard to measure what people will consider valuable, and it is hard to gauge the public’s reaction to a new item. That is why, often, the tried and true promotional giveaways are best. Think about your own experience. How many stress balls have your thrown away? How many pens have you left sitting on countertops, or at restaurants? How many business card magnets have you thrown away?

Then, take a look at the things you’ve kept, like the mini flashlight that is still attached to your keychain. The small vanity mirror you keep in your desk drawer to check for bits of lunch in your teeth. The yo yo you picked up thirteen years ago that still gets played with at least once per day – these are the items that stuck with you for one reason or another. You remember where you got it, you can still read the logo on it, and you will always, always remember that company.

Here are my top 5 giveaways for a trade show display – they’re old but definitely bold

#1 – Stapler

Cheap and easy to source and personalize.  I like them because they are practical and everyone uses them so when a visitor has emerged with several plastic bags full of tomorrow’s trash, I know they will take that stapler and place it in the desk at home or office and it is going to be used.  I love that idea – my name and contact information on something which will last for years and will be seen again and again because you always need a stapler!

#2 – Travel Cups

Travel cups for taking your morning Java or Joe off on the commute are great promotional gifts and they are always in demand.  I like the idea that whenever a visitor has my travel cup, they are going to be enjoying a drink and while they are in that happy frame of mind, my logo and contact info is right in front of them.  I use these as a major gift – no kidding – if you want to get one of these out of me, you need to sit down and have an exploratory chat about business.  It works – use them!

#3 – Alarm Clocks

Out of town attendees usually end up relying on a wake up call from the concierge who may or may not be able to speak English or tell the time.  A travel alarm is a nice touch.  This is a super promo gift – I really have to  like you to give you this and you really need to be serious about business to pry one of these babies out of my hands.  Don’t skimp on quality here and make sure it is accurate, tells the time properly and goes off when it’s supposed to – test the alarm too, don’t offer nasty or annoying alarm sounding clocks.  Stick to these tips and your visitor will keep it forever.

Trade show displays are still a cost effective way to market your products or services. Exhibits can work for people who have been in business for years and also for a new entrepreneur. To have a successful trade show exhibit, you have to plan ahead.

First, you have to make sure you are exhibiting at trade show that is going to appeal to your target audience. The next very important step is to set up your exhibit to attract visitors to your exhibit. Below you will find some useful tips on enhancing your trade show experience.

When it comes to marketing materials, remember sometimes less is more. To keep your booth looking tidy and organized; you should replenish your marketing material frequently. This way you will not have large piles of materials lying around. Huge stacks of materials sometimes give visitors the impression that no one is interested in what you are promoting. You can store your marketing materials under the table and only display a few flyers or brochures at a time.

Handing out tote bags with your logo on them will go a long way in promoting your company. People who are visiting trade shows collect a variety of samples and brochures. They will be grateful for the bag and your company name will be seen all over the trade show floor.

It is important to make sure that you have a gender balanced staff in your exhibit. Having the same number of women and men on the trade show floor will make your visitors more comfortable. If you have a staff of all men or women your exhibit might not be as inviting to some. It is also a good idea to have a staff that varies in age so visitors will feel comfortable talking about your products.

Trade shows are an excellent way to promote your products, improve customer relationships in a friendly and personal arena.