Choosing the Best Trade Shows

Posted by Bill Barrett in Tips, Trends

Selecting a trade show can be extremely overwhelming. Browsing trade show calendars, planning exhibits, and sorting through the array of choices are obstacles everyone must face. One of the most common questions among trade show planners is “What shows are best for my industry?” The Tradeshow Network Marketing Group has put together a process to help you determine the best trade show for your business.

1. Develop a marketing plan with realistic, measurable business goals. Consider what you want to achieve and what you hope to gain from participating in a trade show. Create a plan of action, identify your target audience, and determine how you will measure your success. Remember to also be flexible and allow for adjustments.
2. Define your prospects by creating marketing personas. Different trade shows appeal to different target markets. Evaluate your current customers and research market trends in order to tailor your efforts toward a specific buyer persona. Knowing your target audience will help you make an informed decision about which trade shows are right for you.
3. Evaluate trade show conventions that are relevant to your industry. Research the attendee profiles of trade shows in your industry to help you decide which events align with your business objectives. Research your competitors, estimate costs, and qualify leads based on your findings.
4. Attend shows that you’re interested in before committing to participating as an exhibitor. Choose a few top-priority shows, compare your options, and attend the actual event. Facts and figures contain valuable information, but there is no comparison to seeing the show in person. Attending a trade show and experiencing the look and feel will help you decide if it truly is a good fit for your business.

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