Biggest Booth Blunders

When I walk into any show, whether it’s a business tradeshow or a consumer retail show I am compelled to stop at any booth where I see an obvious, detrimental mistake being made that causes that exhibiting company to look unprofessional or unproductive. I know it’s a bold move, but I rarely have anyone react to my suggestions in a negative way.  Most people remark that they wish someone had told them about the problems sooner.  It really is a shame that more companies don’t train their staff.  Just a few simple changes can make all the difference in the world to the success at a show.

Here are a few of the Biggest Booth Blunders I come across most often:

1.  WASTING YOUR REAL ESTATE: If you are lucky enough to get a corner booth space in a show, or paid a premium for the privelege, by all means remove the side rail on the open aisle and give attendees the chance to come into your booth from the side and the front.  I just love showing an exhibitor how they can just lift that pole and drape out of the back upright and have show services cart it away.  They are amazed at how much room they now have and how people actually come into their exhibit more readily.  It’s your real estate. You paid for it. Use it.

2. LOOKING LAZY:  Nothing makes your staff look less attentive and approachable than sitting down in the booth.  Take the chairs away, unless you are offering consultations.  Actually, unless you are in a very large exhibit space with a conference area and a plan for closing sales you shouldn’t even be sitting down talking to people. You should be getting them in, getting a lead and getting them out.

3.KEEPING YOURSELF A SECRET Have you ever stood in front of a booth for more than 15 seconds looking everywhere for some clue as to who the company is and what they do?  What a waste.  Put you company name and logo where it is easy to see.  More importantly, make sure they understand what you do.

4. NO IMPACT GIVE-AWAYS:  Don’t waste your money on any old give-away.  Select something that ties into your theme or compliments your product.  Pens are cheap, but if I was a pest control company I would spend my money on an imprinted fly swatter instead. 

Think about these for awhile and I’ll share some more next time.  For more resources on how to exhibit better, visit my resources page at www.susanratliffpresents.com or www.exhibitexpertsaz.com

Susan