22 Feb 2017

Trade Show Survival Kit - Tips and Tricks for attending Trade Shows

Have you ever attended a trade show or some kind of business exhibition, either as a visitor or as exhibitor? If yes, you know how busy these shows get, as everyone tries to talk to you and offer their products and services. Vast amounts of people are on the lookout for the best deals, newest products and their favourite brands. It can be easy to lose all focus and business goals when bombarded with information that does not even seem relevant to you. The trick is, no matter if you are a visitor or an exhibitor to keep a clear head and to know exactly what you are trying to achieve from the show. Our team at Salon Tracker will be exhibiting at Pro Beauty London in less than a week and we know many of our customers, and business partners will be going too. 
Therefore, we have explored the web for some tips and tricks on how to survive a trade show for both visitors as well as exhibitors. Read below our top three tips for visitors, followed by three helpful tips for exhibitors. Maybe you’re even thinking about exhibiting yourself in the future, or just want to explore the options. There is nothing wrong with getting some ideas and getting ahead of your game early. Even if you aren’t quite sure where your business is taking you, trade shows can be beneficial to you in many aspects. 


Tips for Visitors


Plan ahead

Know the purpose of your visit in advance. If you have come and just want to browse to see what is on offer then go ahead. Stroll through the aisles and stop for things that interest you. If you know which businesses you definitely want to see, I recommend checking out where they are located. This way you can head straight to the important bits and enjoy the hustle and bustle after all your business and shopping enquiries are satisfied. As most trade shows are located outside of most city centres makes sure you plan enough time getting there as well. Check out public transport times and nearby stops, as parking is often limited at these events.


Take advantage of any discount and exclusive offers

If you own a business, are about to open one or have a favourite brand that you now will be attending, then why not take advantage of exclusive offers. What a great way to stock up on products for a discounted rate. Especially if you’re on the lookout for new products, equipment or anything else. Now will be the perfect time to get them. Most products and businesses at shows offer VAT free items and services, meaning you already save 20% on items. On top of that are most exhibitors willing to negotiate little extras on top of that. All you have to do is ask. 


Know what you want

Most people come to a trade show roughly knowing what they want. Before signing up to an event, you must have thought about the industry and how it can benefit you. If you own a business, thinking about opening one or are just interested in the field then trade shows are a great place to network, check out competition and get some good deals. 
Take some time aside to thing about your business and if there is anything to improve that, you can potentially get at the trade show. Remember most businesses have special discounts available; therefore, this might be the perfect time to stock up on certain retail products, try out a new brand or finally try out that one product you always wanted to. Exhibitors are experts in their field and it’s a great way to get more into, test products without committing to them straight away.

As visitors, you can easily get overwhelmed with all the stands at the show, so make sure you get out the events brochure for a better overview.


Tips for Exhibitors


Planning and researching your target audience will help you identify your goals and gain customers for the long run. Attending a trade show is never going to be just you. You have to deal with your competitors attending as well. You need to carefully plan and make sure potential customers see what your stand, services are about, and where you are located. 



Plan your business goals

First things first, you need to attract qualified visitors to your stand to promote and sell your products and services. The advantage with trade shows is that most visitors are attending a trade show to buy, so great news. Most established businesses know what they are hoping to achieve throughout the financial year and in what ways. If you are a new business and you’re not quite sure where you want your business to go, then trade shows are a great way of face-to-face marketing to potential clients. As a business, you plan months ahead and spend money to exhibit at shows. You obviously want to make the most of it and generate new leads for your business and overall gain new customers. Do you think about maybe exhibiting in the future, when this still applies to you and might give you a good idea of what to consider.


Use the right tools

Make sure you stand out with your brand so that visitors can see your excellent service and offers you are representing. There is nothing worse than seeing a stand and not knowing what the brand is offering. Make sure you marketing material is clear to visitors, explaining what you do and what features you are offering. 

Investing in some good exhibition display stands, with high quality images and brochures for visitors to take away. The more relevant info you provide, the more chance you have that people remember your brand. The same applies to speaking to any potential clients directly. Try to talk to potential customers without losing focus, adapting to their tone and eliminating those who don’t seem qualified and are basically a waste of time or who just come for the freebies. 


Gather ideas from around you

Have a look around and explore what others you are doing and how they’re doing it. Not only is it fun to see what your competitors are up to, you can also gather some ideas for upcoming shows. Say, you saw a nice quality stand display; it won’t hurt asking them what supplier they have used. After all, getting ideas that improve your business in the end are always helpful.



As I mentioned before, Salon Tracker are exhibiting at Professional Beauty London this weekend. Our helpful team will be available Sunday and Monday, all day for any questions, information and live demonstration of our products and services. Make sure to pop by and say hello. If you haven’t registered to the event yet, make sure to click the link for a FREE ticket: http://bit.ly/2jBRDdb

Not going to Professional Beauty London? No problem, you can still trial our software for 2-weeks free of charge, just call our office and speak to one of our helpful team members on 0113 350 8230 or email info@salontracker.co.uk

Salon Tracker x

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