When talking with clients and potential clients I often ask why they are exhibiting at their trade show.  I understand this is an odd question because they will use my services if they are exhibiting, but I want to make sure my clients are exhibiting for the right reasons.  Here are the most helpful questions to ask yourself if you want a successful trade show exhibit:

- Why am I exhibiting at this show?

- Is my target market attending the show?

- Will exhibiting help grow our business?

- I am just exhibiting because I always do…is there anything else I can do to maximize this opportunity?

Does my booth:

- Clearly convey exactly what I do in a way that will solve my target markets problem/pain?

- Allow me to stand out from other exhibits at the show?

- Have a layout that attracts people into the booth rather than repel the potential leads?

- Have an attendee/qualified lead exhibit flow mapped out?

- Contain trade show booth trained exhibit staff with assigned roles and understands their objectives.

Does my strategy include:

- A pre-trade show strategy that will attract qualified leads to our exhibit before the show even begins?

- An at-trade show show strategy that will utilize our unique opportunity to gain brand awareness, roll out a new product, social media opportunities, maximize the number of qualified leads into the booth, which will increase sales?

- A post-trade show follow-up strategy that will yield a high return on investment and successfully get show lead responses and help convert them into sales?

- A trained sales staff that understands the marketing strategy and how to use the social media and other great techniques to increase their lead to sale conversions?

If you answered no to any of these questions or don’t really know what I am talking about here, feel free to contact us for a free exhibitor assessment where we will look at your exhibit design and strategy to provide you with free exhibitor consulting that will help you improve your results and lead to greater success!

What is Drayage? The cost to have your exhibit materials moved from the loading dock to your booth and then back again after the show.

How is Drayage calculated? Drayage is charged by the hundredweight. Check your show manual for drayage cost (cwt), divide the weight of your freight by 100 pounds, and then multiply by the (cwt). Example: 2,000 lbs – 100 lbs x $50 (cwt) = $1,000.

Tips to reduce the drayage and shipping costs:

- Consider buying or renting a new exhibit.

Today’s custom and modular exhibits are lighter than in the past.  Your designers help you choose an exhibit specifically designed to meet your trade show goals.

-  Understand your Exhibitor Service Manual.

Your Account Managers should help you to understand your show service manual, complete forms, and identify cost saving measures.

-  Consolidate your shipments.

Drayage is based on 100 lbs with minimums, send all your freight as one shipment. Small boxes and uncrated items should be sent on shrink-wrapped pallets.

You can utilize carriers that specialize in trade show freight which provide personalized service and special handling for delicate equipment.

-  Store your booth closer to the show sites.

Find an exhibit house that has multiple storage facilities across the country that will maintain your freight and ship it to each of your shows.

-  Review your freight bill.

Keeping accurate records of certified pieces and weights, tracking numbers, and carrier names will help you to determine that you have been charged correctly.

If you have any other questions feel free to ask us as TMG Exhibits.