Why should you exhibit at a trade show?

Exhibiting at a trade show is a great way to reach new customers, promote your brand and products, and make connections with potential partners. But, if you’re on the fence about exhibiting, here are some other benefits you may not have considered.

Trade shows may appear time consuming, since they require planning and travel, but they can actually save you quite a bit of time. Compared to recruiting new customers and setting up individual time with them, trade shows enable you to meet with many people at once. Additionally, face-to-face interactions give you the chance to provide further information than a sales call will. At a trade show, you’ll not only reach many customers, but you’ll also be introduced to new segments of your industry.

Staying up-to-date on your industry is essential to successful marketing. Trade shows expose you to your competitors and other members of your industry. You’ll learn where your industry is going and what trends you should be capitalizing on.  This also means that you’ll have access to all of the influential players in your industry, who might be interested in adapting your product or service.

Attending a trade show is an investment in your company’s future.  If you approach exhibiting with a measurable goal in mind, it’s a great opportunity to be involved in your industry. Your sales team will be able to reach new customers and have more meaningful interactions with those customers. Trade show exhibiting is a chance to make your company, brand, and products shine.

You can also combine exhibiting at a trade show with sponsoring the event. This combination will increase your company’s profile at the event and make your brand stand out above the competition. Whatever your exhibiting and sponsoring goals, Ticket Summit® has a number of packages that are suited to fit your needs. Prices are going up January 1, though, so you’ll want to act soon. To learn more, visit www.ticketsummit.org or call 860-416-5767.

Why should I sponsor a trade show?

Sponsoring a conference or trade show is a great way to get your company name out there. It can really supplement your traditional marketing plan and promote your association with a specific event. Sponsoring an event is an opportunity to gain visibility in a new and exciting way.

Event sponsorship allows you to target your marketing in a way that traditional advertising does not. Many events offer a list of the companies that plan to attend their conference or trade show, allowing you to know in advance exactly who will be there. If your customers are there, then your name should be everywhere at the event!

Sponsorship can also create positive publicity and increased visibility for your brand. The local and national media often cover large events, allowing for more exposure of your company name. Check to see if your sponsorship includes mentions in a show’s press releases or advertising materials. This will give your brand name access to an audience you might not be able to reach otherwise.

Conference or trade show sponsorship also sets your brand apart from the competition. Sponsoring an event that will be attended by your customers and your competition will put you heads above the rest. Your brand and logo will be found throughout the conference, be it on signage or a sponsored item, while your competition’s might not. The attendees will remember your brand when they get home.

Sponsoring events is a great opportunity to showcase your brand to your customers. For more information about sponsoring Ticket Summit® 2014 at ARIA, please call +1.860.416.5767 or email info@ticketsummit.org.

Get your Swag on at Trade Shows and Conferences

Exhibiting at trade shows is an important way to network and build professional relationships within any industry. It is an effective way to establish and extend your company's brand and services. Consider the hustle and bustle of the conference environment and the competition to stand out from the crowd, as you take the time to prepare a booth that will tell your company's story and highlight your capabilities.

Swag items are the little give-away items you'll take away from a trade show display.  Your choice of swag can go a long way to help you attract foot traffic during a trade show, and also create lasting impressions over time. Careful thought should be given to selecting the swag items to represent your business.

Flashy swag items at your booth are great to attract people, but if these items aren't useful over time, they will fail to support your efforts to create lasting connections with the conference attendees. People may be more impressed with the swag than with your business. Think of sensible items with enough pizazz to bring people to your booth so you have the opportunity to engage them and sell your services.

The ideal swag item should be something your contacts and potential customers will use over time, but also something relevant to your industry. For example, if you are a technology company, a useful high-tech device would be logical; if you are an agricultural company, perhaps a gardening tool, or even a pen that is designed with images or shapes of agricultural symbols.

Remember to brand your swag with your company logo and a means of contact. Printing your company website or a QR code on your swag will support communication and interaction over time. Even if your contact loses your business card, that really cool pen or flash drive with your web address will be a handy reminder of who to contact long after the show.