Trade shows offer a world of opportunities when it comes to getting in front of thousands of the right prospects and customers. People who attend trade shows are in the market for exactly what exhibitors are selling. One aspect of this that can feel very overwhelming is that hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of exhibitors are selling the same product or service that you are.

So how do you get attendees to choose your booth, talk to you, and ultimately choose you over other exhibitors? The key is to stand out in every way that you can: with your booth structure, your booth staff, and your booth activities.

Here, we’ve outlined the best trade show tips and tricks to position your booth as THE booth to stop at, and how to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

1. Create a Booth Design That is Refreshing and New

How your booth looks says so much about your company. Attendees place so much importance on the look and feel of your space. When you consider the design of your booth display, be sure to think about how to incorporate a look and feel that is unique to you. Create an experience that is not only welcoming to exhibitors, but also productive. Perhaps you want to be a “refresher” for attendees? If so, place a lounge area at your booth. Or, do you want to showcase a new product? Do this by making an interactive demo space to be the primary focus of your booth.

Also, having graphics at varying lines of sight is a strategically clever way to attract a wider audience. It will be visually pleasing and catch the eyes of those passing by.

2. Let Attendees Know Instantly That You Have What They Need

Showcase the best-selling features of your product or service with large, bold graphics to quickly communicate that you have what potential customers need. Include a call to action that sparks interest and shows how your company can meet the needs of these prospects. Keeping text to a minimum and the booth graphics inviting and exciting, are sure-fire ways to attract attention to your booth.

3. Use Interactive Demonstrations and Games

Attract buzz at your trade show booth by conducting demonstrations that engage your audience with your product or service; or better yet, involve them in it! Interactive games are also designed to quickly catch the audience’s attention. Having trained booth staff is key to lending credibility and knowledge to your product and service. Also, be sure your demonstration area is easy to see and access. You’ll have a crowd forming before you know it!

4. Get Attention with an Authentic Opening Line

With so many vendors vying to captivate attention, attendees can be overwhelmed by overbearing “pick-up lines” as they pass the booths. Choosing an engaging opening line that is authentic and friendly is a critical step to sparking their interest and inviting attendees to your booth. Having a well-trained staff goes a long way and makes a far better impression than staff members who are too pushy.

5. Promote Your Trade Show Booth Early-On

The best way to spread the word about your exhibition at an upcoming conference is to create an entire campaign to support it. Send out targeted emails to pre-conference lists and your customers to promote your booth. Also, make your attendance visible on your website by listing it on your “Events” page throughout blogs and social, and even in customized email signatures, every detail matters. If there is a new product or service you want to showcase, be sure to drum up some excitement with teasers of what’s to come. You might even consider offering a private demo showing to anyone who schedules a meeting with one of your booth staff prior to the show. The possibilities are endless!

Need help creating the right strategy to quickly captivate the attention of your target audience? Contact us today!