First of all, you do not want to scrimp and save on the marketing materials and the booth’s appearance itself. That said, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to look presentable and professional. For example, there is a trade show pop up display available at The Display Outlet that is not only affordable, but high quality and professional. These displays are also extremely easy to port around, and are reusable. So this one time cost is going to pay for itself for many months, years, and trade shows to come. The importance of a pop up display cannot be underestimated. You appear like you know what you’re doing, and the appearance of confidence and savvy is more important than actual confidence and savvy. In fact, that’s all confidence is: appearing confident, whether you are in your brain or not!
Another seemingly no brainer type idea that many over look and has to do with presentation is taking care to find the right person to be behind the booth. It’s too bad, we can argue about that if we want, but having an attractive female behind the booth simply works. Men and women alike will be more inclined to approach a both of an attractive and smiling woman is there ready to talk to. Men will of course feel the carnal draw, and women will feel the safety of talking to another woman instead of a man who feels that carnal draw. Of course she has to be knowledgeable about the product as well, so hiring someone like this to be a part of your team is a crucial idea. Sure, it’s too bad that this is still the case in 2014, but to be stubborn and think that we are in different times so this shouldn’t be so is only going to hurt your business. Don’t let your personal wishes about how society should be affect your bottom line.
You also would be wise to have something small that customers can take away with them. Something more than a business card is idea. A little bottle opener or a light for the key chain, emblazoned with your company logo and website is all you need. Some little souvenir of visiting your booth and reminding them later about you is crucial. If you want to get more creative and make some more off the beaten path type of giveaway, go for it. The more creative, the better.