How to benefit from an exhibition

No matter your work field, participating in exhibitions can offer you a lot of growth opportunities, but they can also go to waste if you don’t execute the right practices. We gathered some tips and ideas from participating in some exhibitions over the years both as visitors and exhibitors, and we brought them to you today to help you.

Photos from our participation in GITEX AFRICA , Viva Technology and EMEC EXPO :

For exhibitors:

As an exhibitor you have two main goals: to make your product or service known and to expand your connections. To do that you should follow the next steps:

1)Plan and prepare in advance:

Define your objectives for the exhibition. Are you looking to generate leads, increase brand awareness, or launch a new product? Having clear goals will help you focus your efforts and measure your success.

" Sit Checking the stands of your competitors as one of your goals, it will help you evaluate your activity."

After setting your goals, start planning for the exhibition well ahead of time.?Research the event, understand the target audience, and design an attractive booth or display that reflects your brand. Prepare marketing materials, brochures and business cards. It is better to prepare them in digital form that is easy to exchange, like NFC business cards QR codes…

It is very important to include giveaways and snacks in your stand, they can make a good impression on the potential customers and they also make you easy to remember!

Don’t forget to do some research about the exhibition and the participants. Some big international exhibitions such as Gitex Africa have websites and applications that make it easy to connect with participants and schedule a meeting in advance. Even with no website, you can still ask the organizers for the participation list.

??2)Promote your participation:

Leverage your existing marketing channels to create buzz around your exhibition participation. Send out email newsletters, post on social media, and update your website to inform your audience about your presence at the event.

During the event, create an engaging experience at your booth to attract and hold attendees' attention. Offer interactive demonstrations, product samples, or engaging activities related to your offerings. Use technology such as touchscreens or virtual reality to enhance the experience.

3)Make use of every interaction:

During the event make sure to have an organized team, all the members should be well informed about the product or service, and there must be a fast way of communication. This way you wouldn’t have to stay in the stand during the whole event but you will also be able to easily go back when you're needed.

Have a system in place to capture leads effectively. Use lead capture forms, digital scanners, or even mobile apps to collect contact information from interested attendees. Follow up with these leads promptly after the exhibition to convert them into customers.?

Don't forget to network with fellow exhibitors and industry professionals. Building relationships can lead to potential partnerships, collaborations, or future business opportunities.

Remember, the success of an exhibition depends on thorough planning, effective execution, and consistent follow-up.

For visitors:

As a visitor to a exhibition, your goal may be to gain valuable insights, establish connections, and potentially identify profitable opportunities.To accomplish that you should:

1)Research and Plan Ahead:

Before attending the trade show, thoroughly research the exhibitors, their products or services, and any scheduled presentations or demonstrations. Identify the key exhibitors you want to visit and plan your time accordingly.

Define your goals for the exhibition. It could be networking, product research, identifying potential suppliers or partners, or staying updated on industry trends. Having clear objectives will help you stay focused and make the most of your time.?

2)Create a Schedule:

Develop a schedule or itinerary that outlines the booths you want to visit, seminars or presentations you want to attend, and any networking events or meetings you have scheduled.?

Actively engage with exhibitors by asking relevant questions about their products, services, or industry trends. Express genuine interest and take notes about potential opportunities or partnerships.

?Collect brochures, business cards, or promotional materials for later follow-ups. . This will help you stay organized and ensure you don't miss out on important opportunities.

Make sure to prepare a fast tool for information exchange such as NFC business cards or simply have your LinkedIn QR code open in your phone.

3)Stay Updated on Industry Trends

Exhibitions provide excellent networking opportunities. Connect with other attendees, industry professionals, or potential partners. Be approachable, exchange business cards, and engage in meaningful conversations. Most of the talk exchange happens over coffee or lunch breaks!

Follow up after the event to maintain those connections. By doing so you use the exhibition as an opportunity to stay updated on the latest industry trends, innovations, and market developments. Identify new technologies, products, or services that could potentially benefit your business or investment strategy.

By maximizing your interactions and leveraging the opportunities presented, you can gain valuable insights and create profitable connections.

To conclude, the key to profiting from an exhibition as a visitor lies in being proactive, well-prepared, and focused on your objectives.

Let us help you!

To help you with your digital transition, we offer our expertise as professionals to support you in creating effective plans and assessing the possibilities of incorporating technology into different areas of your business. Get in touch with us and let us lend you a hand!

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