Trade Show FAQ’s
Why do trade shows remain fairly healthy during this economic uncertainty?
- Most of the economic fallout has been with business-to-consumer companies (home construction, retail, housing, auto), but exhibitors are by and large business-to-business companies, who have been affected less.
- Manufacturing is the #1 segment at trade shows, which has seen a boost to their exports thanks to the weaker U.S. dollar. For exhibitors from outside the U.S., manufacturers in the developing world continue to benefit from their lower cost of labor.
- Attendees coming to trade shows are high quality prospects. They spend their own money and valuable time to come to the show in search of solutions to their pressing problems. They have braved the higher cost of airfare (which will likely drop along with oil prices), have already checked your website, and want to “look you in the eye” and see if your company is someone with which they want to do business.
- Because most trade shows happen only once a year, exhibitors don’t want to skip a trade show during a downturn and lose access to their key buyers for two years.
- Attendees come to trade shows to see what’s new – so exhibitors want to launch their new products there.
- In an era of economic uncertainty, attendees and exhibitors alike want to network even more, to ensure they have plenty of contacts and thus safeguard their career.
- When the economy is uncertain and there is a danger that sales will slow, it’s a knee-jerk reaction to cut marketing investments. However, cooler heads realize that now is the time to do more marketing. That’s because generating new sales leads and keeping in touch with existing clients is the lifeblood to maintaining their corporate health. Exhibitors that grasp that insight will keep their business flowing.
- How much time do trade show attendees spend on the show floor?
The trade show floor is a highly competitive environment where attendees only spend an average of 6-8 hours total on the show floor. At many shows, this may represent a small fraction of the total time attendees spend at the conference.
- How many booths will an attendee visit?
On average, attendees will visit 16-25 exhibits. A visit is defined as entering a booth and spending at least five or more minutes with the company.Out of total booth visits, 75% are planned prior to the show. This means that attendees are placing most of the visits on their “must-see” agenda before they arrive at the show.
- What is the benefit of having a highly visible presenter at my booth?
If it is not possible to advertise before the show, it becomes increasingly important to have a high-visibility activity or promotion to attract attendees on the show floor.Our trade show magic cuts through the noise and clutter, bringing attendees right to your door, so you can begin a conversation with prospects and customers, and continue communicating with them long after the show closes.