Why exhibitions are the next big thing

Marketing and networking are two prospects that every company aspires to excel in. Television, radio, print media do give an opportunity to companies to market and promote their product. Though the reach of these mediums is substantial, at the end of the day it is just one way communication.

This is the reason why, social media has taken the marketing world by storm. Not only is it relatively cost effective but it enables two-way communication with the target group, but social media doesn’t facilitate networking. This is where exhibition takes the cake.

Exhibitions enable companies to interact with their clients, promote their brands and even engage in networking, these are among the few advantages of exhibitions. Here’s an overview of why and how exhibitions can help your business.

1. Exposure to relevant audience – There are various types of exhibitions held all year round. There are exhibitions solely for electronics, food and beverages and various other categories. Hence, at an exhibition you can be assured that the visitors that drop by your exhibition booths are specifically interested in what you have to offer. Most importantly maximum number of visitors at any given show are potential buyers. Some do visit exhibitions to gauge the market but most are interested in buying.

2. Favorable platform to network and generate leads – Most professionals and executives visit exhibitions for the sole purpose of networking. At an exhibition you get an opportunity to meet potential clients and make some profitable business alliances. It is a favorable platform to capture leads that can eventually help the company to grow exponentially.

3. Proactive platform – One of the prime advantages of exhibition participation is that it enables live and interpersonal communication with your target group at the comfort and convenience of your exhibition stands. Direct communication with your audience, at your exhibition booth, can be beneficial to the company in many ways. You can give live demonstration regarding your products and services, conducts workshops and Q and A sessions to address consumer queries. Very few marketing mediums will grant you this golden opportunity.

4. Lucrative opportunity to launch or re-launch a product – Exhibitions have emerged as an opportune platform to launch products in the market. What with the presence of media, potential audience your contemporaries and competitors at exhibitions, there is no better place to introduce your product in the market and that too at your exhibition stands

5. Gives an opportunity to build a stronger relationship with consumer – Two way communications is the foundation of a healthier relationship between the brand and the consumer. At an exhibition you get an opportunity to address your consumer’s doubts, queries and even grievances of those that visit your exhibition booths. Direct communication has a personal touch that indirectly strengthens the bond between the company and the consumer.

6. Increase brand credibility – At exhibitions, you get the chance to showcase your brand and products alongside the exhibition stands of some of the reputed and well established companies in the market, this projects a positive image and helps to increase brand credibility among the visitors. Also, communication with your visitor further helps the cause.

15 quick tips for a successful international exhibition

Being an exhibitor calls for an overall expert who can look at everything from a wide perspective. But when you plan to exhibit internationally, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Right from knowing the local language to being familiar with the local exhibition norms, you have to be on your toes at it. As an international exhibitor, you will meet people from various languages and cultures, which will eventually have an impact on your exhibition. Contacting the best exhibition stand builder is a part of the job but it is not all that you need to worry about. There might be times when you are the show stopper at the exhibition in your country but standing apart in international shows is a different ball game. Not easy to master, exhibitions come with added difficulties and when you plan to participate in international shows then you ought to know the intricacies.

These quick and handy tips to international exhibiting will get you through the entire process swiftly.

1. International exhibiting calls for more planning and efficient time management

2. Do an in-depth research before you abroad for exhibiting. It might sound cliché but a foreign nation has different exhibiting rules and regulations that you must be aware of.

3. Know about the country you are visiting for the exhibition. Study about the culture, city, people and few local greetings.

4. There may be few words or phrases that might not be politically correct in the country you are exhibiting. So, learn about the cultural and political differences, which help your interactions with the local attendees as well.

5. Language is a vital element that plays a key role while you are exhibiting in abroad. For instance, different cultures have different connotations for phrases. So, if you are exhibiting in the USA, it is better to write “will you please…” in your e-mailers.

6. There are countries where exhibiting is costlier than your home country. Know that beforehand to avoid the last-minute hassles. For example, exhibiting in the USA is 5 times costlier than in Europe. It is mandatory to have enough cash in pocket for incidental costs and have a stress-free exhibition.

7. The usual expectations should be avoided but rather you should be more adaptable to the local situations arising in the exhibiting nation.

8. Few countries do not accept cash for show services. So, be sure to carry your credit card along.

9. International shipping is harder and if your exhibition materials are heavy and need to be shipped then plan your shipment accordingly.

10. Contact your cell phone service provider and ask if you can use it overseas as well. Do this a month prior to your show for shunning any last surprises.

11. Hire local persons as booth staffs. It is advisable to do so as the local person is well-versed with the native language and can make sure that your visitors are not moved away.

12. Have your flyers, business cards, brochures and pamphlets printed in the local language. This gives a sense of proximity to the exhibition visitors.

13. Be well-versed with the local decision-making process too. For instance, decision making in the USA is rapid whereas Asia countries follow a bottom’s up system.

14. Getting your exhibition stands and exhibits through customs is a daunting task. It is better if you rent the same locally with a reliable exhibition stand builder.

15. Be as flexible as possible. Managing a show in a foreign land is a tedious task. It is better if you are not stubborn with regards to the management of the show.

6 reasons why you should be visiting exhibitions

1. Understand the ebb and flow of your industry – Exhibitions are a bustling markets for brands and companies. No amount of market analytics, white papers, or following social media will give you’re the raw insight that comes from observing brands interact with their customers in real time. When you visit a trade show, you get plenty of time to observe and study. You gleam valuable information on what works and what doesn’t for other brands. This knowledge will help you improve your own marketing strategy for your brand.

2. Understand what appeals to customers – Seeing an exhibition from a customer’s point of view allows you to gain a different perspective on how to appeal to a customer. As you walk, curating several types of exhibition stands, you begin to understand what techniques work in the brands favor and which ones fail to get the customer’s attention. Whether a marketing strategy appeals to the correct target group or how other customers respond to it. You take note of their reactions to their exhibition stand design and build. So that you can utilize these findings for your exhibition stand ideas.

3. Gain insight on competitor’s methods – Unlike, looking up a company online or buying their products to understand them. Visiting a competitor’s stand will give you valuable information about their marketing strategy and product presentation. It also gives you a deeper understanding on your competitor’s culture and values. You can, also gauge any visitor’s reaction to their product and any new features. Being able to understand the appeal of your competitor’s product and services will help you craft an effective plan to make your business more appealing.

4. Keep the pulse on new product launches – Many brands and companies prefer to launch their new products through trade shows. It also remains a popular choice for brands seeking re-launch an old product with an attractive but small exhibition stand to test the market. You can also drop by your competitor’s booth to get your hands on demo of their product or learn more about the new features of their product.

5. Stay updated of new trends – Exhibitions sell themselves as platforms for new innovations and developments within any industry. By visiting an exhibition you get a good idea about what is trending in the business. You can use the ideas you come across and incorporate them in your exhibition stand design according to the latest trends dominating the exhibition market.

6. Meet potential clients – Exhibitions are one of the best places to high value clients. The benefit of networking with your industry is one of the reasons why exhibitions are still popular in the age of digital communication. It’s not critical for you to have your own exhibition stand for networking. You can approach the traders and sellers and even start a discussion with them. Some of these meeting can net you potential partnerships which may prove beneficial for your brand.

How to participate in an exhibition

Almost, every other brand in the market is participating in exhibitions and for good reason. Exhibitions have helped brands to evolve as legacies. From building a strong consumer base to reinstating the brand’s position in the market, exhibition can help you build a name for your company in market but the question is that how to participate in an exhibition?

Though, participating in exhibitions can be a very profitable, most companies refrain from doing so mainly because of the magnitude of preparations involved. To help you out, we have created a condensed 8 step plan to prepare and manage your exhibition effectively.

1. Selection of a suitable show to participate in – Before you plunge headlong into exhibitions or commit yourself to one, you need to be thoroughly sure that the exhibition you are participating in will derive anticipated results. There are plenty of shows held across the world, all year round. You must select a show based on the attendees, fellow exhibitors and most importantly your budget. Participating in a show without prior research won’t yield desired results hence make sure that the show you are participating in the right one for your brand.

2. Booking an ideal spot for your exhibition stand – Once you have decided on the show, the next step is booking a spot at the fair ground. At a fair ground, booths are priced differently. Some spots are prime and others not so much. There are corner stands, row stands and the works. If your budget permits go for the island booth at the center of the fair ground. It is the most visited booth at the fair ground, second only to the one at the entrance. Depending on your budget, product and preference you can pick a spot. You can make the best of your selected booth by enhancing your exhibition stand design ideas to attract visitors.

3. Short listing a good exhibition stand builder – A good exhibition stand designer and builder will help you put your best foot forward at the show. Entrusting your exhibition stand in the hands of a reliable and reputed exhibition stand manufacturer will ensure that your stand is top quality and embraces your brand ideology and marketing requirements. Esquire about exhibition stand builders in the area you plan to exhibit, browse through their stand designs and get quotations. Select one that is reputed preferably has his own manufacturing unit to ensure timely delivery and good quality product.

4. Picking out the most lucrative exhibition stand design – Your exhibition stand is the most important aspect of your exhibition presentation. Not only does it represent your brand but your exhibition stand designs ideas also play a very important role in attracting visitors to your booth. Select a design that is exclusive and eye catching but at the same time it aids in highlighting your marketing message. It must embody your brand image and help to increase brand recall value as well.

5. Arranging for logistics and other necessary requirements – Exhibition stand planning and execution is not an easy task. Try to go for an exhibition stand builder that provided you with all round services such as consultation, transportation, installation and dismantling of the exhibition stand. If you cannot find an exhibition stand builder who would handle all this for you then you need to arrange for logistic services and laborers that would do the job for you.

6. Hiring an efficient sales team – Another important aspect is recruiting the right sales team. Your sales team will help to engage the visitors at your exhibition stands and turn them into customers. Hence, selecting and formulating a solid team is crucial. Hire people that are professional, polite and energetic. Your sales staff must also be thoroughly trained about your brand and product features to answer any questions and queries thrown at them during the show.

7. Sorting out last minute requirements – Exhibitions require a lot of planning since various elements come together to form a cohesive picture. Be it your marketing literature, giveaways and other such things, you need to prepare and stock enough of it in your stand, lest you run short of such important supplies. If you are planning to conduct user engagement activities in your exhibition booths, you need to prepare your staff in advance and stock up on necessary utilities.

8. Promoting and marketing your show – Last but not the least, you need to inform your audience about your exhibition to ensure they visit you. Promote and market your event on social media platforms to increase footfall. You can even put up banners and posters on the fairground directing the visitors to your exhibition stands.

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