How to Have a Successful Show!
You love your business.
It shows.
You want to reach more people and share with them how fantastic your work is, why they NEED you and why YOU are the best choice when it comes to their wedding day.
One of the ways to do this is have a booth at our Wedding Expo! Some wedding professionals have had successful shows before and know all there is to know about how to have a good show. For some this may be their first time around so we gathered some tips on how to have a GREAT show, how to gain future clients and how to get your business out there. We hope these help you!
#1 First Impressions are Everything- No, Really.
Studies show that people form an opinion in the first one tenth of a second so make your booth interesting enough that people will be drawn in the second they see you. Don’t overcrowd your booth but have enough so that it doesn’t look empty.
#2 Be active on social media.
We can't stress this enough! Post photos from the event to your social channels before, during and after the event. Invite attendees to stop by your booth to enter a contest, pick up a giveaway or watch a demo. Make sure to include your booth number and event hashtag so attendees can easily find you. Social Media is free and is one of the best ways to promote yourself. Share YOUR posts, share OUR posts, share the posts of other professionals who will be at the show. The more word gets around, the more business you will bring in.
#3 Handouts, leaflets and Flyers Oh My!
Once visitors to your booth leave you want them to be able to remember you and one of the best ways to do this is hand out as much information as you can. Have plenty of show giveaways, such as business cards, brochures, pens, magnets, and anything else that has your company name and/or logo on it. Most people who attend bridal expos are expecting to take home some goodies. And be sure to use display racks for showing your flyers, specials, brochures, and such.
#4 Provide Giveaways.
Remember, fun giveaways equal more traffic. Invest extra money in a giveaway or activity to attract attendees. Get creative in your offerings. We have seen everything from slot machines with cash prizes to frozen margaritas. Everyone loves food, invite attendees to come and hang out in your booth. This will help break the ice, opening up conversations and, hopefully, qualified opportunities. Offer Gift Certificates for some of your services as a giveaway. People love getting a deal and when they 'cash in' their certificate they will see how valuable your services are.
#5 Know Your Neighbors
You will be side-by-side with other wedding professionals. Get to know them and their business, tell them about yours. You never know when a referral can come in handy!
#6 Extend Your Reach
Promotional Giveaways that are easily visible are a way to extend your booths reach. Hand out big stickers, wearables, light up trinkets, etc and turn it into a game. Those who wear your promo items have a chance to win something big at the end of the show. These are great because the more people you get to wear them, the more others will want one. It’s also a great conversation starter for attendees- and your brand and booth are inserted into that conversation.
#7 Let it Flow, Let it Flow
Not all services are easy to simply. Find a way to allow your booth traffic to flow and not have visitors feel blocked in. This will make it easier for people to stay by you and find out more information.
#8 Have a Draw Prize
Have a draw for a prize. Offer a prize that in some way complements your business if possible, and appeals to anyone. Have visitors and entrants sign a guestbook, fill in a ticket, or drop their info into a fish bowl or gift bag. The great thing about this wedding show giveaway is that you can then use this information at a later date to make a follow-up contact.
#9 Acknowledge Everybody Who Visits.
Acknowledge everyone that walks by. You would be surprised by how many exhibitors stay seated and don’t try to engage with clients. Something as simple as smiling or saying Hi will surprise clients and will make them want to stop by your booth. People like being noticed. If they stop at your booth, don’t start giving them a sales pitch or you’ll scare them away. Instead, ask questions and let them do the talking. Don’t be afraid to be yourself- people are more likely to purchase from people they like and trust.
#10 Follow-up Fast!
Within a week of the show we provide the lead list of all attendees. The longer you wait to get in touch with them, the longer they have to forget who you are. People have many interactions at these shows and as much as you want to believe yours will be different it can be tough to remember everyone's business after the show. Don't be afraid to reach out too quickly. Don't lose that connection you made.
#11 Have Fun!
Wedding Expos are hard work, tiring and long. We know this. We will try to make your experience with us as seamless, easy and fun as we can. We will have staff on hand to assist in making it easier on you. If you have any questions before the show just give us a call or send an email. If you need assistance on the day, grab one of our staff members!
We want you to enjoy yourself and get as much business as you can from this expo! Info garnered from the following: Forbes, HuffPost, The Balance and TSNN
