The immediate response for anyone in the trade show business is, Why Not? However, with the stock market starting off the new year in a less than desirable place; some businesses may be examining their marketing budget and looking at trade shows as a way to cut expenses. Before you do...read on.

Let's first address the benefit of exhibiting at a trade show. The Internet may be the new connector, but having a trade show display at a conference still offers some of the most effective marketing and sales results. 

Here are the Top Ten Benefits Of Trade Show Displays:*

1.  First impressions. Have you ever visited a website and can tell at first glance that it hasn't been updated in years? What is your first thought? Well, if you are still using the display components and trade show graphics from five years ago, attendees will be able to tell too.  Make sure that you take advantage of the large, captive audience to put your best foot forward by adding a new kiosk, hanging signage or a combination of selling areas like the CTEK booth pictured above.

2.  Rental exhibits provide flexibility and affordability. Jazz up your trade show display by incorporating customized exhibit rentals into your booth. This is especially beneficial if you attend multiple trade show events throughout the year. Create new and different booth configurations with rental accessories, flooring and add-ons.

3.  Keeping up with the Jones. As attendees walk through the hundreds of other vendor displays, you want to make sure that you are at least keeping up with if not surpassing the look and feel of your competitor's trade show displays. Adding a charging station or a touch screen monitor will help encourage attendees to cross the threshold into your display. 

4.  Return on your investment. If you display the "same ol' same ol'" your results will reflect your efforts. Just reread the stats from the top 10 benefits. There are decision makers that attend trade shows and they are spending money. But if your display is humdrum; your results will be also. If you are going to go...make sure you take full advantage of the opportunity.

5.  It is good for business. Again, pointing back to the stats above, trade show events offer the opportunity to connect, in person, with the decision makers. The cost per contact is significantly less than sending a team of sales representatives around the country who may or may not ever get past the gate keeper. Not to mention, with a trade show display you have the opportunity to demonstrate your top products, offer a hands-on experience and connect with your target audience both in the booth and afterwards in a more social atmosphere. 

It is a new year and the calendar is filled with trade show events. Just visit TSNN to find the latest events happening for your industry. 

If creating or expanding your trade show presence is part of your marketing plan for 2016, give us a call.