‘Economic recession’. We can no longer deny it. However, it doesn’t have to be all bad! There is an upside to a recession; it makes people far more aware of the economy and particularly, how it affects them. It changes the way people think about money and investment. The same goes for businesses. In times like these, business decision makers are prompted to look to the future, look for new and better ways to become a leader in their market. They are looking for a way out of recession, but also a more stable financial future. Continue Reading.

1. Have clear Aims and Objectives for the exhibition
2. Include your exhibitors in your marketing plan
3. Have your exhibitors send out exhibition invitations to their clients
4. If you have a conference with your exhibition link both together
5. Work closely with your contractors and the venue
6. Develop a PR campaign with the industry magazines
7. Develop an Operations manual for your exhibitors
8.  Listen to your exhibitors, are you helping them maximize their involvement
9. Evaluate the visitors and exhibitors, did they maximize their time on site
10.  Have a plan for the following year and sell it at this years event

When evaluating your exhibition or trade show viability, you should ask yourself; what will be the benefit to your association or business in holding an exhibition alongside your conference?

Some reasons why you may decide to run an exhibition could be:

1 . As a great revenue generator
An exhibition can be a great revenue generator for your association. You are encouraging access to your members and, for vendors, this is highly valuable as they are given the opportunity to see many clients and prospective clients together over a short period of time.

2. To add credibility to your conference within the industry
By adding a trade show to your conference your members and vendors see that you are serious about generating business within the industry.

3. To give your delegates the opportunity to see and try new innovative products within the industry.
Some of your members may  not have had the time or the opportunity to see the latest and greatest products going around and being introduced to the market. Vendors holding stands at the exhibition or show will, not only be trying to sell their wares, but will also be keen to educate your delegates within their own industry. 
4. To give the trade a chance to showcase new product developments
A trade show is an important place for vendors to release new products. Conference visitors are normally the leaders within an association so getting them on board is vital to be used as product ambassadors.