1. Clearly nderstand why your attending the tradeshow. Your ultimate goal is to promote sales.



2. Budget for the trade show. Plan in advance and use the tradeshow to increase your profits. Register early to get early-bird discounts. Take time to talk to the show sponsors, previous attendees, and your vendors and customers regarding participation.

3. Get organized. Once you have registered for the show, put together a folder to keep a record of your registration form, invoices, booth and floor plans, and notes. Keep it all in one place and visualize in your mind where your booth will be and what it will look like.

4. Set goals. Plan to obtain a specific number of high quality leads instead of collecting hundreds of business cards. Find out in advance who will be exhibiting and who will be attending.

5. Market prior to the show. Advertise in tradeshow publications, newspapers. Send post cards to prospects who will be attending and invite them to stop by your booth. Call your prospects prior to the show to set up an appointment for them to stop by your booth.

* Should I rent or buy an exhibit display?

If you're ready to jump into the trade show scene, it is usually better to buy an exhibit display than to rent one. You save a lot of money by buying and using the display over and over again. Most prices of displays for rent are double the price of new exhibit displays.

Nevertheless, if you only want to test the waters and plan on setting up a booth at a single event, it may still be more cost-effective to rent. Some small businesses borrow a friend's or colleague's exhibit display for a single event in order to test the effectiveness of the trade show.

* What kinds of features should I look for when purchasing an exhibit booth?

In purchasing exhibit booth, look for features that give you satisfaction. Choose booths that are economical, durable, and attention-grabbing.

Look for exhibit booths offered at affordable prices. Choose ones that are easy to transport. Also look for booths that have unusual designs. Look for features that are well worth the investment.

* Should I put a table in my exhibit?

Putting a table in your exhibit depends on the products you are highlighting. Tables are only required for those with products (rather than services), because they can help draw the attention of the spectators.

Tables are used in exhibits when the products are small enough that they should be boosted up a little. If the products are large or bulky, tables are not needed.

Tables are not advisable to exhibits unless they are really needed, because they can add to the ‘cluttered' look of the booth. However, if the situation calls for tables, make good use of them.

* What colors are best to use in an exhibit?

The best colors to use in exhibits are colors that are eye catching and appealing to the spectators. Choose the colors that match the characteristics of your products.

Colors that are frequently used are the basics because they are calming to the eye and have wide appeal. These colors are blue, red and yellow. Black and white are also widely used and good for exhibits.