When you exhibit at a trade show, you give your business the opportunity to make a statement. In the US alone, there are more than 13,000 trade shows every year. More than 11 million people attend these events, from the East Coast to the West Coast and everywhere in between. Think about the exposure that you could gain from attending just one of these shows. And if you are able to attend more than one, you can magnify your exposure even more. With that kind of face-to-face contact with so many potential customers, how many prospects could you find?
Reasons to Exhibit at a Trade Show
Exposure isn’t the only reason to head to a trade show with a custom exhibit. There are substantial benefits that expand far beyond just finding new prospects and networking with others.
Some top reasons to exhibit include:
Increased visibility and brand awareness.
- Lead generation.
- Market research.
- Building relationships.
- Cost-effective marketing.
- Increase Visibility and Brand Awareness
At any one trade show, there will be thousands of people walking around. Depending on the size of the show, there might even be thousands of exhibitors just like you. Setting up a clearly branded exhibit will make you visible to everyone in attendance. Trade show attendees are looking for an industry niche, and you may fit into that category. That means this large gathering of people is full of potential customers and opportunities to show off your products and services. In addition, you get to network with industry professionals, keep up with what’s trending, and put your name out there.
- Lead Generation
A trade show is a great place to generate leads. You’re representing your brand’s products and services in an effort to educate more people about what you have to offer. Some people may hear of you for the first time at an exhibit, and they may be interested in working together. Those leads can easily turn into customers at some point. Even if they only remain leads, they will know of you and may share your name with others. It’s a win-win.
- Market Research
What better way to learn about trends and opportunities than to be in the middle of it? You are going to see what competitors are doing and learn what’s popular (and maybe, what’s not so popular). This can be a fantastic opportunity to get some feedback from customers, prospects, and professionals in the industry. Learn what you’re doing well, how you can improve, and where you might be missing the mark completely.
- Building Relationships
Connections happen all over the place when you exhibit at a trade show. From other professionals in the industry who are exhibiting to the attendees making their rounds, there are tons of people to get to know. This is a huge networking opportunity and you should take advantage of it. Not only will you have prospects, but you will likely see existing customers too. Don’t just generate brand new leads—take the time to work with your current customers and build on existing relationships.
- Cost-Effective Marketing
Exhibiting at trade shows should be part of your marketing budget. And it’s really cost-effective. While you will need a custom trade show booth or a rental exhibit, the costs are minimal compared to some marketing campaigns. You’re appealing to a much larger audience. Considering the number of people you are reaching and the return on investment, the costs of exhibiting often pay off extensively in the long run.
Let Blazer Exhibits Help with Your Trade Show Needs
If you have never exhibited at a trade show, it’s time to consider it. At Blazer Exhibits, we can help you plan the perfect exhibit to meet your needs. With decades of experience in the industry, we’ve had time to perfect the process and learn what really works.
Contact us today to start planning your exhibit and experience what trade shows are really all about!