Yes, I know that this isn’t the first time (nor will it be the last) that I urge attendance at trade shows. Let me yet again give you ten reasons why you should do this:
- It’s good exposure. Your presence is noticed and creates a positive impression of your business as stable, competitive and actively looking for ways to grow.
- Its an opportunity to share and gain expertise. You may wish to participate as a speaker at one or more of the forums, thereby boosting your company’s profile or you may attend presentations to gain expertise from the presenters.
- It’s the best place for product demonstrations. If you’re in the market for, say, an item of equipment, where is there a better place to compare different models? If you’re selling anything, where else can you demonstrate to large numbers of potential customers in a few days?
- It’s the best place to make connections. Like-minded people gather in large numbers at trade shows—no further explanation needed.
- It helps generate hype. The combination of a high concentration of people, the glitz and the hub-bub, all helps to generate hype which you can use to promote your product.
- It facilitates face-to-face contact. Face-to-face is still the best way to conduct business for most businesses. Enough said.
- It’s the best place to be educated in the trends of the industry. As you walk the show, see the latest trends and innovations—something you need to do if you are to keep pace with the competition, or get out ahead of it.
- It’s a good place to meet qualified buyers. If you’re selling , you need to know that on average about 80 percent of trade show delegates have buying authority.
- It’s where the media gather. A big trade show usually attracts media attention—a good place to be if you’re looking for media coverage.
- It’s where you can network. With so many people at a show, many of whom attend the receptions and other social opportunities, you have fertile networking ground.
There you have it. Ten good reasons to attend good shows if you’re serious about advancing your sign business.