How can you thank your trade show staff and partners creatively?

1 Send personalized gifts

A generic thank-you card or email might not be enough to express your gratitude to your staff and partners who helped you make a lasting impression at the trade show. Why not send them something more personal and thoughtful, such as a customized gift basket, a branded item, or a voucher for a local experience? You can also include a handwritten note or a video message to highlight their specific achievements and strengths, and to let them know how much you value their collaboration.

2 Share positive feedback

Another way to thank your trade show staff and partners is to share the positive feedback and testimonials you received from the attendees, the organizers, and the media. You can create a report, a newsletter, or a social media post that showcases the results and impact of your trade show participation, and tag or mention the people who contributed to it. You can also encourage them to share their own stories and insights from the event, and to celebrate their successes with their networks.

3 Offer professional development opportunities

If you want to thank your trade show staff and partners in a way that also benefits your long-term relationship and growth, you can offer them some professional development opportunities, such as a training course, a coaching session, or a membership to an industry association. This will show them that you care about their career advancement and that you want to support their skills and knowledge. It will also help them stay updated and motivated for future trade shows and projects.

4 Host a fun event

Sometimes, the best way to thank your trade show staff and partners is to have some fun and relax together after a busy and stressful event. You can host a party, a dinner, or a game night at your office, a hotel, or a venue near the trade show location. You can also invite some of the attendees or other exhibitors who you connected with at the trade show, and use the opportunity to network and socialize in a more informal setting. You can also include some awards, prizes, or recognition for your staff and partners, and make them feel appreciated and celebrated.

5 Give back to the community

A creative and meaningful way to thank your trade show staff and partners is to give back to the community where the trade show took place, or to a cause that is relevant to your industry or values. You can donate a portion of your sales or profits from the trade show to a local charity, a nonprofit organization, or a social enterprise. You can also organize a volunteer activity, such as a cleanup, a fundraiser, or a mentoring program, and invite your staff and partners to join you. This will show them that you are not only interested in making money, but also in making a difference.

6 Follow up regularly

Finally, one of the most important ways to thank your trade show staff and partners is to follow up with them regularly after the event, and to maintain a strong and lasting relationship. You can send them updates, newsletters, or invitations to your upcoming events, products, or services. You can also ask them for feedback, suggestions, or referrals, and show them that you value their opinions and input. You can also look for opportunities to collaborate with them again, and to refer them to other potential customers or partners. By following up regularly, you will show them that you are not only thankful for their work, but also interested in their success.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?