Trade shows can be a wonderful way to promote a brand. When looking to up your efforts in marketing, face-to-face promotion can be a vital tool to utilize. Trade shows are a great way to close the gap between brand and customer, and it could be a great opportunity for you this year. 

Today we are going to take a look at all of the essential things you should prepare and bring with you when you attend a trade show. From van hire to get you from show to show, to promotional gifts for your customers, there are lots of items to bring along with you for a successful trip.

1. Business cards

The purpose of a trade show is to market your business and spread the word about your products and services. When setting up a stand, the easiest way to give out your contact details is a business card. Take the time and effort to break out business cards and hand them out to people at the show. You can also leave some on the table for people to take as they explore.

2. Sign-up sheets

If you want to take things one step further, a sign-up sheet for people to sign up for company communications can be a valuable method for gaining email addresses and leads. Leave this out on the table for a soft sell for those who want to hear more about your brand. 

3. Content

Think posters, flyers, brochures, infographics… anything that shows off data about your company and products is a winner, Create lots of promotional content before you go and this can be left out on the tables for people to pick up as they go by. 

4. Free stuff

When you go to an exhibition or trade show, what is it you remember when you leave? Free stuff. When a company offers free things for you to take home with you, this will stick in your mind for the future. Make sure to raid promotional gift websites and offer lots of fun items for people to take home and use. It will offer marketing opportunities for you as your brand name and logo will spread far and wide, and it betters your reputation.

5. Banners

Making a trade show stand to look amazing is a challenge, and the easiest way to do this is with a well-designed banner. Break out your creative brain and order a banner that is well-branded and also looks exciting and grabs people’s attention as they walk by. 

6. Pens

What is the most important item to bring with you to a trade show? Pens. Pens with your company logo on not only make for a great freebie, but you’ll need pens for sign-ups and note-taking throughout the day. 

7. Screens

One great way to capture the attention of your audience in a trade show hall is to play a video. Videos always draw attention and they can be a wonderful method of demonstrating the merits of your product or service. Play an advertorial video on loop and this should draw people to your stand to find out more.