Every year, some 14,000 to 15,000 trade shows are held in North America. If you want your company to shine at a trade show, choose your event wisely so that you don’t get lost among the other exhibitors and miss reaching your target audience! But how do you choose the right trade show?

Our experts in custom trade show booth manufacturing and design are about to share the most important factors to consider before making your decision.

Are you ready to master the secrets of event success? Jump in and learn how to choose the right trade show, right now!

Why is it important to choose the right trade show?

If your goal is to attend a trade show, the first step is to choose the right event. The idea is not to take part in the first trade show that comes along, hoping for miraculous results. On the contrary, you need to target the trade shows that are best suited to you and your company. Opt for a trade show that corresponds to your specific area of activity and business goals.

Here are a few tips for choosing the trade show that best suits your needs.

1. Understand and define your goals

Think of this step as the compass for your event success. Before you begin to look at your options, you should clearly define your goals. This key step will guide all your future decisions. What do you want to get out of attending this event? The answer to this question will help you choose the ideal show for your company, and establish an appropriate trade show budget.

There are many possible reasons why you could want to attend a trade show:

Increase your brand awareness or image
Introduce new products or services
Develop new strategic partnerships
Analyze the competition and better understand their ways of doing business
Acquire new customers

Taking part in a trade show is a big commitment, and you will want to maximize your return on investment. By defining your objectives in advance, you can make the most of your participation.

2. Get ready to meet your potential customers

Before the trade show, make sure you have a thorough understanding of your company and your products/services. Be prepared to engage in discussions with interested visitors and answer their questions.

Trade show audiences vary enormously from one show to another. So before choosing your trade show, you need to identify and understand your target audience.

Are you targeting:

buyers
suppliers
distributors, and/or
technical partners?

3. Choose a show that suits your business and your customers

In the world of trade shows, there are many options to choose from. The key lies in selecting a show that aligns with your field of activity and target audience. Pay particular attention to how many professionals will be attending the trade shows you’re considering.

There are two main categories of trade shows: those for the general public and those for industry professionals. The former are ideal for presenting new products or services and marketing directly to customers. Trade shows for professionals can be an excellent opportunity to expand your network of contacts, check out your competitors and establish new supplier or partner relationships.

However, it should be stressed that not all trade shows will be a perfect match for your business. It’s essential to make sure that your target audience will be attending the event you want to go to, and to be sure that the show will meet your expectations and be focused on your field of activity.

4. Select the right venue for your trade show

There are several factors to consider when choosing an appropriate location. In order for you to attend the event successfully, the area must be easily accessible, as spacious as possible, and in line with the specific requirements of your trade show booth. And don’t forget to take into account the expected number of guests and the space required to accommodate them. Once you’ve decided on a venue, it’s time to draw up the invitations.

There are several ways to attract event attendees to a trade show. You can rely on physical invitations as well as SMS messages, among others. Using communication tools such as social networks to promote your event is another proven approach.

5. Choose a show with a good reputation

The reputation of a trade show should play a role in your decision whether or not to attend. Opting to participate in a renowned show can not only attract a wider audience, but also generate favorable media coverage.

With this in mind, take the time to carefully examine each trade show’s website. If the show does not have an online presence, it is not a good sign.

Details included on the website could also help you prepare for your participation in the event.

Other factors to consider

There are a number of other criteria to consider when choosing your trade show. Let’s take a look:

The cost of participating in the exhibition

The costs involved in your participation should fit within your budget, as some trade shows are more expensive than others. We also encourage you to read our article on the costs of attending a trade show.

Entrance fee

A free trade show is likely to attract a larger crowd. Needless to say, this crowd must match your target audience.

Logistics

To participate in a trade show, you will need a trade show booth, a team of employees and a host of accessories and supplies. If the trade show is being held outdoors, you’ll also need to think about logistics and transportation.

Other factors such as the dates and duration of the trade show, the quantity and quality of visitors should also be considered when choosing the right trade show.

Choose the right trade show with totm exposition!

Choosing the right trade show won’t happen by accident. By following the above steps and making informed decisions, you can make the most of every event as an opportunity to drive business growth.

Ready to choose the perfect trade show? Contact us for personalized advice to maximize your impact at your next event.

Choosing the Right Trade Show for Your Business