Here are some things you can do using social media to attract and inform your potential customers;

1. Create a ‘Facebook’ page for your business then email your customers or prospective customers and invite them to become a ‘fan’. You can then post updates directly on to your page and reach several people at once. You could even post some kind of special offer to be claimed at the show if people sign up as ‘fans’.
2. Open a ‘Twitter’ account and again invite your prospects to follow you, You can keep people updated with the lead up to the show and even “Twitter” during the show so that people who may not be able to attend will still be able to keep up with any exciting new product releases or special events.
3. Start a company ‘blog’. It’s all about keeping your customers in the loop and providing information. With a blog site you can educate your customers a bit more as to who you are and what you can offer. You can write brief but detailed articles on individual products and provide clients with a link direct to the product which interests them.
4. Leave comment on other blog sites and articles which are aligned with your company or product in some way. You may be able to use the platform of a larger, more well-known company to plug a new product release or event. Be careful not to blatantly advertise though – it has to be of general interest to readers of the blog.
5. Film some product demonstrations or staff interviews explaining your product or service. You can use AV equipment on your stand to play these back. You can also upload the video to ‘You Tube’, post it on your blog site,  your ‘Facebook’ page and your own company web-site. Maybe take some video at the show itself.

Good Design

Easy Assembly
If you plan to travel with your exhibition stand and want to be able to save on install and pack down fees at different venues, you will need to take into account the versatility and easy assembly of your chosen stand package. A well designed stand should be easy and quick to install, saving you on-site labour costs.

Light Weight
Perhaps not the most obvious of considerations but you will save money on transportation if your stand is light weight. Also, install will be made easier if the actual components are lighter to move around. You could save on forklift costs if your stand can be erected by manpower alone.

Pack Down, Storage and Transportation
A good exhibition company will take care of all these things for you., but if you do need to pay for storage and/or transportation you want the stand to take up as small a space as possible to save on costs. Packaging should be sturdy and reusable too so that when you re-assemble your stand at different venues, it should look like new each time. Most exhibition companies will include upkeep and touch up paint in their costs.

Accessories
Get as many accessories as you think you may need as part of the initial package. For instance; lights, carpet or floor tiles, lockable counters and storage, even graphics. Furniture is generally an extra but you can still ask your exhibition company to add chairs, tables, plants, a bar setting, plasma screens etc. to your quote so that when you turn up at the show, you have everything you’ll need already there.

Graphics
Your exhibition stand package will probably come with graphic panels included. Don’t waste this opportunity. Get your own graphic designer or your exhibition company to come up with something that will best advertise your company. Many people use these panels as just ‘background’ images but this is all advertising space which you have already paid for so should be using it to its best potential.

Price
Probably your most important consideration when choosing an exhibition stand package. Obviously you will have some kind of budget to stick to so shop around. If you see a particular stand you like but out of your price range call the exhibition company and ask if they might be able to save any costs. They will be able to take out a couple of graphics that you may not need which will reduce the price, or they may be able to offer you a cheaper flooring option. Always give the exhibition company your budget and ask them to offer you something suitable.

A good exhibition company should always be able to adapt their product to your needs. Tell them what it is you are trying to achieve and ask advice on any issues you are unsure about. They are there to help you.

1. Check which Hall
Some exhibitions, such as the Good Food and Wine Show take up all six exhibition halls, but other trade shows are smaller. Check which halls the event you are booking is using, as this may have an impact on where you locate your stand. Check where people will enter and exit the exhibition, so you have an idea of whether your stand is in the middle, or will be one of the first or last the prospective customers see.

2. Use the Exhibitor’s Services
The Exhibition Centre offers several services for exhibitors that can make your exhibition stand better. You can book internet connectivity to show your website at your stand. If you need water or compressed air for your stand, you can book these features too. You can even book a phone line and equipment, so you can connect to credit card services for your customers. Outside Exhibition Hall 5, there is an Exhibitor Services Desk which offers accounts for the food and beverage outlets (for your staff), facsimile and photocopying facilities, gas bottle refills, wheelchairs for visitors, and internet access cards for the public internet facility. 

3. Loading Bays
Check with the event organizer for the times you are allowed to access the loading bays to move your exhibition stand and equipment into and out of the convention centre. The loading docks are located on Darling Drive and you will need to pass through a secure gate house for access to the bays.

4. Parking
There is no parking in the loading bays, but there is plenty of parking available in the exhibition centre car parks and public car parks in the region. You may have to pay a daily fee for parking. Since the Darling Harbour facility is well connected to public transport, you may suggest to your staff to use public transport for the event.

5. On Stand Catering
You may like to think about the option of having some on stand catering for your customers. Entice your customers with a gelato stand and see how many people stick around for your product demonstration while they enjoy a gelato. You can order sandwiches, barbecues, gelato, and coffee and tea stands. You can even order a breakfast platter. If you offer your customers a tea or coffee, you will be more likely to get your customers to stay at the stand much longer, offering your staff more opportunities to convert passers by into paying customers.

The Exhibition and Convention Centre at Darling Harbour is a great venue for your exhibition. It has won awards for occupational health and safety and for food service. Use the exhibitor services available to make the most of your exhibition stand at the trade show. If you are exhibiting at a trade show or exhibition in this centre, you will find it well equipped to make sure your exhibition stand is a tremendous success.

If you are preparing to exhibit this year at CeBIT, you will spend this week making final preparations to ensure your stand is an outstanding success. Here are some ideas to make your CeBIT experience worthwhile.

1. Plan for 30,000 Visitors
Over 30,000 people will visit CeBIT in Australia this year, so make sure you have enough business cards, brochures, and give aways. You may need to restock your selection several times throughout the exhibition, so plan how to store and restock your marketing tools. You do not want to run out of your business cards on the first day of this event.

2. Plan to Network Extensively
While you will need someone to man your stand at all times, you should also provide enough staff to network through the crowds and to visit the other stands. CeBIT offers you the chance to network with the senior level executives across a wide range of industries. You need time to make contacts and time to network with the other people attending the event. It may work well to have one or two staff members roaming the event while others provide information at the stand.

3. Offer Something Different
While the majority of exhibition stands will offer technological stands, try making your exhibition stand different by offering the crowds something a little different. Think carefully about what makes your product or service stand out and offer your customers something that brings that to their attention. You may want to try having a gelato stand at your stand while you show a DVD of your product in action. Give your customers something they can genuinely use in their business – even if it is as simple as a pen or notepad (marked with your website address), so you will get return business later on. Mouse mats, coffee mugs, and other accessories for the business desk will work well as marketing tools too.

4. Prepare Media Statements
CeBIT is one of the few exhibitions that attracts so many media attendees. Prepare some media statements, such as press releases electronic media releases for your company. If you have these ready prepared, you may get more media attention than your competitors who have not considered what to say.

5. Ensure You Present a Professional Image
Remember that CeBIT aims at the senior level executives and government people as well as retailers and distributors. CeBIT is one exhibition where presenting a total package of a professional company is essential. Be prepared to talk about what your company offers the ICT industry as a whole, as well as the benefits to individual businesses. Look at every angle of your exhibition stand and make sure nothing is out of place. Ensure your staff look professional in appearance and present a complete image that enhances your marketing materials.

CeBIT is a terrific way to network business to business across the industry. Make sure you and your staff are prepared for the event, which could make you millions in business referrals.

It can take a lot of work to create the right image of your product, but speaking to an expert in the exhibition design industry can help you to come up with a theme for your stand and marketing products.

An exhibition stand typically consists of a presentation podium, back ground exhibit and usually some furniture. Many exhibition stands often have accessories like lighting and self-serve brochure holders built on to them. You can furnish your exhibition stand with audio-visual features such as interactive touch screens, high impact graphics, and plasma screens showing visual scenes that will peak visitor curiosity.

The pop-up exhibition stand is the cost efficient, lightest weight and is the easiest to assemble making them the most popular of all types. There are a lot portable display stands available, including banners and stands, table top display, pop up display, and pull-up banners.

There are different and large ranges of things to consider for the design of a trade show exhibition stand. The exhibition stand should instantly deliver and update a targeted message to the viewer. The graphics, banners and the text should be straight forward and attention grabbing. The displays should highlight the main benefits a customer would enjoy by purchasing your product. Everything should be accented with smart lightning and layout. Match the colour scheme to the marketing theme you have selected.

The exhibition designers must understand the maintenance and importance of exhibition design. The designer must remember that art work is only a tool of portraying products but not for the purpose of exhibition. Exhibition design is coupled with many factors such as outreach planes, exhibits, colour, charts, layout, and lighting. The design of a good exhibition is always the integration of all these factors.

The exhibition must have a specific theme to leave a long lasting impression on the viewers and to give desired message. The exhibition booth should be designed from viewer’s perspective, target viewers taste; response should be researched before selecting the booth design. A professional and certified booth designer can guide to plan an attracting booth design.

The products and finishes of the exhibition booth should be carefully accomplished as it reflects the brand value and business identity of the exhibiting company. The booth design can be made more attractive by incorporating audiovisual features such as interactive touch screens, attractive lighting, high impact graphics and plasma screen in the exhibition booth design. Creative discipline in the interior design, architecture and product development of the exhibition booth is a must check.

By taking time to plan, exhibition design can be made appealing and attractive. You can dramatically improve the business by marketing effectively at a trade show using a themed, well designed exhibition stand and complete marketing strategy.

Exhibition Stand Package from Exhibition Co. (See Stand Packages for details)

Tradeshows and exhibitions are exciting, busy events. There will be lots of businesses presenting their products and services and lots of potential customers looking for products and services. No matter how good your product or service is, no matter how effective your sales staff is at selling your product or service to potential customers to take full advantage of the tradeshow marketing opportunities you need a professional exhibit  that is unique and appealing to catch the visitor’s attention.

Tradeshows are time limited and trade show booths have limited space. A professional exhibition design company can help you design a presentation that makes the most of your limited time and space. It is important to get your exhibition design company involved at least six months before the trade show to ensure they have time to design and build your booth components and acquire and arrange for delivery of any exhibition furniture and equipment you may need to rent for the exhibit. Remember you are one of hundreds or thousands of exhibitors at the tradeshow you don’t want to wait until the last minute to make arrangements for equipment and furniture rentals only to discover your competitors have depleted the local supply.

Choosing a good, reliable exhibition design company may require some work on your part. You want to make sure your chosen exhibition design company understands the tradeshow venue limitations and advantages, your company’s needs and has the expertise and can provide the booth equipment and furniture you need on time and in an efficient manner. Here are some questions you can ask to help you find the right exhibition company for your business.

• Ask if the exhibition company has ever worked with others in your industry, get reference contacts and follow up.  Ask the references if the company delivers a quality product in a timely manner.
• Ask if they are familiar with the tradeshow venue – this is important because each venue will have different rules for exhibitors, union workers, and safety regulations for fire.
• Ask how the company will assign staff and designers to work with you. Will there be one person that works with you from the design phase until the booth is on site and the show is open? Will they have staff on site to install the exhibit and take care of any last minute glitches? Will the company take care of the tear-down of the exhibit after the trade show? 
• If the company you choose is just designing the exhibition stand and you are taking responsibility for setting up and tearing down the booth, does the exhibition company provide clear and concise instructions? Will there be customer support staff available by phone to help you.
• Ask if the exhibition company will supply the wall systems, the display boxes, lighting rails and the furniture for your booth or if they contract with suppliers for those components of your booth.

Meet with the company’s representatives. Be clear about your budget and what you are trying to achieve with your participation in the show.

Do your homework, come prepared to the meetings with your exhibition design firm and you will end up with a booth that catches your customer’s eye, delivers your company’s message and provides you and your staff with lots of opportunities to sell your services and product.

Costs

Venue

• Rental  – Deposit and final payment
• Catering
• Power
• Cleaning
• Rigging
• Rubbish removal

Contractor and Services

• Booths, Carpet, Walling, Poster Boards
• Lights and Power
• Furniture
• Plants
• Registration and Badges
• Insurance – Public Liability, Product liability
• Signage

Administration Costs

• Marketing – Brochures, Direct Mail, Ads, Website, PR, Email Blasts, Telemarketing
• Staff Costs – Sales Calls, Accommodation, Office Use

Emergencies on site

Revenue

• Sales per square metre or per booth
• Stand packages
• Marketing Packages
• Sponsorship – Delegate prizes such as holidays
• Sponsorship sales – Banners, Lightboxes, Banner Poles, Internet Lounge, Coffee Breaks, Sessions, Giveaways
• Advertising in Visitor Guides
• Web Advertising

1 – Decide on Your Objectives
Your first step in planning for success is to decide on your goals and objectives – what you want your business to achieve by holding the exhibition stand at the trade show.  You also need to decide on the strategy to achieve those goals and the measurements of success.

A trade show is not only about lead generation. You could aim to enhance brand recognition, product visibility, promote new or future products as well as existing products, gain insights about your competitors, make key industry contacts, and learn about industry trends.

2 – Create a Stand Design and Plan
Your exhibition stand is the focal point of your trade show marketing. Whether you use a modular exhibition stand, or a custom exhibition booth, you need to design your exhibition stand to enable staff operating the stand to meet your goals.

Draw a plan or map of the stand, including where lighting, banners, signs, graphics, display booths, exhibition furniture, and pop up displays will go. Plan for your promotional products and the space needed to collect those all important contact details of potential sales leads. A professional exhibition contractor can ensure your exhibition booth design meets your business needs.

3 – Ensure Staff Know What to Do
Training your staff can make the difference between trade show success and failure. Two days before the trade show, gather the staff together for a final review of the exhibition plan and your business objectives. This is a good time to encourage staff to dress appropriately, and to ensure staff members know how to talk to prospective customers to generate effective sales leads.

Ensure the individuals involved know exactly what you need to accomplish, where additional promotional items will be stored, and the schedules of who is staffing the exhibition stand when. Allow staff some time to leave the stand to have breaks, and to circulate among the trade show itself – checking out the competition and making customer and industry contacts.

4 – Confirm Exhibition Hire Equipment and Location
Confirm with your exhibition hire company what exhibition furniture and conference equipment, where, and when the company is delivering. Ensure you know when to return the hired exhibition equipment and furniture. Make sure the signs and graphics are ready and the banner stands, pop up displays, and display stands will be available on the day of the trade show.

5 – Prepare Follow-up Marketing Strategy and Materials
Since you need to follow up quickly with the potential customers and sales leads generated at the trade show, it is better to prepare your follow up marketing strategy and all the materials you need before the trade show. You can ensure you have enough printed brochures for your post-trade show marketing campaign.

6 – Bring EVERYTHING You Need
Finally, make a list of everything you could need at the trade show and tick off the items as they are packed. Include:
• Business cards;
• Meeting calendar / PDA (in case you can make appointments with prospective customers at the show);
• Pens, pencils, notebooks;
• Brochures; and
• Promotional products and giveaways.

Careful planning before the trade show will ensure better marketing success during and after the trade show.

Choosing the wrong type of convention, exhibition, or trade show could mean expenditure for little gain. Choosing the right trade show could bring in plenty of targeted leads and customers in the target market.  Here are five questions to consider when selecting the trade show for your company’s exhibition stand.

1 – Who Is the Target Market for Your Product?
This is probably the key question to ask. What is the profile of the customers who currently buy your product and what is the profile of customers who you want to buy your product? Once you have decided the profile of the potential customers you want to target at a trade show, ask if these people would be likely to purchase your product from the trade show marketing.

2 – Who Is the Target Market for the Trade Show?
Every trade show has a target market for customers. Have a look at the trade show advertising and see if the customers targeted by the trade show to attend match the customer profile for your product. If the trade show is not appealing to your preferred customer profile, it may be a waste of time trying to attract attention by your wonderful banner displays, product displays and exhibition furniture in your trade show booth.

3 – Where Are Your Competitors Exhibiting?
If you can find out where your business competitors are exhibiting, you will have a good idea if the trade show is the right one for you. Obviously, you need to confirm with organisers of the trade show that your exhibition stand is not immediately next to a competitor’s trade show stand within the exhibition centre. You may want to consider a custom exhibition stand, rather than going with the modular exhibition stand to ensure your product stands out from your competitors at the trade show.

4 – Is the Trade Show Theme Relevant to Your Product?
If you are selling boat anchors, it is unlikely to find many prospective customers at the Good Food and Wine Show. However, the boat show would be an ideal forum to set up a promotional display of your product. Even if the target audience is the same, it is harder to get your product noticed if it is not what the customers expect to see at the trade show.

5 – How Is The Trade Show Organised?
Consider how many years the trade show has been running, how it is organised, and how many customers attend. You also need plenty of time to plan your exhibition stand displays properly, including graphics, signage, banners, exhibition furniture and the necessary conference equipment. A well-organised trade show will provide information on booth hire and available lighting and exhibition or conference equipment provided with the modular exhibition stand.

Asking these questions will help to ensure your marketing strategy of meeting potential customers at a trade show will be a success, because you will be sure of meeting the right customers in a good atmosphere for displaying your product.

There are always those novice exhibitors who will try to save money by doing everything thing themselves which is commendable…….but not always successful and in our experience, certainly not cost effective in the long run.

As an exhibition company operating in the industry now for several years let us pass on some of our knowledge of exhibiting to you and give you a few pointers towards just a couple of things you may not have even thought of……

Shipping

If you are planning to organise your own transport you must know size and weight limitations of your transport company. You must also be aware of any restrictions at the venue for loading and un-loading on site.

Are you confident your shipping company will deliver your product in one piece? Do you need to consider building strengthened packing cases for transport?

Build

Know the venue’s rules and regulations. Will you need to use a forklift? What about rigging? Will you need to employ any contractors on site?

You will need to contact the show’s organiser or the venue for bump-in and out times (which are always pretty strict.)

Know what tools you will need to build your stand. Know how many people you will need on-site to put your stand together. You don’t want a team of people standing around doing nothing, but on the other hand you don’t want to run out of time and have to open the show with your staff wasting time on finishing touches and losing out on sales or leads.

Have back up. If anything gets damaged during the build make sure you have things on hand to fix the problem…………such as paint to touch up any scratches.

Electrical

You will need to know how many leads and power points you require for your lighting and any AV components on your stand. The organiser will generally allocate power beforehand – but it is best to be prepared and have all bases covered. You don’t want to spend hours working on a fantastic power point presentation only to find you have no way of showing it.
These are just a couple of examples of areas which tend to get forgotten at the planning stages of your exhibition.

Any pitfalls in these areas can be avoided by due consideration at the design stage. Any experienced exhibition designer and planner will have taken all these things into account.