EXPO ADVICE

ARE YOU GOING TO BE EXHIBITING AT AN EXPO?
If so please read on...

Attending an Expo can be very rewarding if done properly.

I recently attended a few expos and found some great booth displays with high traffic results and some low traffic booths.

If you see in the picture above there are alot of vendors displaying their products and it is more than likely so are your competitors. Stand out from the crowd by doing the following:

• Use eye catching colors if possible the same colors in your logo or that match your uniform.
• Make sure your name is imprinted on everything you give away including pens, bags and literature
• Have a Banner with your name on it and if possible what it is that you do
• Give something away
• Have movement at your booth

Lets talk about the first bullet point COLORS have anyone representing your company wear a uniform, name badge, or similar colors so that when walking the EXPO people can recognize you and patrons feel they are talking to someone that knows the products that you are selling.

IMPRINTING - As mentioned in the second bullet point give something away it does not matter what it is but make sure it is something useful, and something that has your information on it. Balloons pop, food gets eaten, but if you give someone a calendar, ruler, air freshener, they are sure to use it and this gets your name branded to your potential customers. It also attracts patrons to your booth because, let's face it everyone loves something free.

BANNER - Having your name displayed at an expo is key.  Have it displayed high so that when walking the expo people know how to find your booth and can easily recognize what you do.

MOVEMENT - It is proven that when a booth has movement people are attracted to it.  A fan, a clown passing out your give-aways, a juggler, flashing lights, even a yo-yo works well.  Eye catching - fun - and different makes you stand out from the rest.

DEMONSTRATIONS -  As I walked a few expos I noticed one thing that was very popular with prospective customers, interaction with the vendor. If you have a product that people can try out this is a perfect opportunity to draw customers in.  EX:  If you are a Massage Therapist give out free 1 minute massages.  If you are a selling remote control cars, let your patrons try them out.  If you do not sell anything that is tangible than make sure you have a TV Monitor that displays your work and is on constant loop.  Let your customers try your product, feel it, see it, and learn about it.  That is what they are at the Expo for.

WHAT NOT TO DO:

• Do not wear jeans and a t-shirt (you will blend in with the crowd and will not be taken seriously)
• Do not talk on your cell phone (patrons will avoid you noone wants to interrupt a phone call)
• Do not come to an expo without business cards, or a give-away
• Do not have a display that is cluttered less is always more
• Do not make it difficult for people to understand what it is that you do

It is always best to attend a few of your competitors booths to see what they are doing that you may not be. 

Learn from your mistakes, and always prepare for a show by setting up your display on a similar sized table. 

If you will need electricity be sure the event is able to accomodate you and that you are not placed near a competitor.

For Promotional Products, Name Branding, Banners and more...
Please contact: Love To Promote 815-603-2324

http://www.lovetopromote.com/

Sales@LoveToPromote.com

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One Stop Shopping

About 10 years ago finding your wedding accessories took alot of running around. Many expo's later, and piles of wedding magazines gone through you would still be at a loss on which candle to get, and the garters to choose through were either hand made or very few far and between.

Fast Forward to the present- with the age of the internet and One Stop Shopping Boutiques, things have really changed. Now, you can find everything you need with the click of the mouse. The selections are unique, fun, and price ranges vary from very expensive high quality items, to very affordable novelty items. Shopping has really come into the 21st century.

There are strip malls dedicated to wedding vendors only, and now their are special "One Stop Shopping" Boutiques where brides can go into one store and select from the preferred vendor catalogs, see the samples, and relax while they go through the different items. They are not everywhere yet but this is a new trend that will soon become very popular. The key here is to be an organized bride.
Here are a few tips and time saving ideas for you.

GETTING ORGANIZED:
First thing to buy is a wedding organizer - though they may seem like an added expense it has an area for notes, all the things needed to do in a time table, and even customs that you may have forgotten. Some of the nice ones have pockets that you can put articles in and this can also be a great place to put quotes from vendors.

Second - Delegate no need to be forceful about this, being a bridesmaid or groomsmen does not obligate them to being pushed around or forced into anything they are not comfortable doing but, if someone does ask, and you know they are good at helping you out definately take them up on it. Your bridal party can do the dreadful little things that take so long to get together. Such as call around for the best prices on a specific tux, or attend an expo for you and get all the information for you. Friends can be fun to have around and they are usually glad to help in any way possible just be sure to show your appreciation.

Finally- If you must go to several different stores to find what you need map it out try to hit all the stores in a specific area in one day and plan another day for those out of the way boutiques. But, if you can avoid the stores the best way to shop is via the internet. Comparison shopping can be done with ease, and the shipping methods are quick and reliable.

If you have any great ideas feel free to post them on this blog!!

Feel free to visit my website for one stop shopping for all of your Wedding Accessory needs!
www.LoveToPromote.com Save the Date Magnets are available, as well as a large selection of fine accessories, gifts, and favors.