Be Seen, Be Heard...

"We missed the registration deadline. I guess we can't go to the tradeshow."

False.

If you're like me, you sometimes come across some really great events and promotions too late. I do it all the time with online clearance sales and concert ticket purchases but for a company, missing out on an industry-wide tradeshow is slightly more detrimental. Missing out on vital tradeshows can result in missed opportunities to network and missed chances to reach an audience who is actively seeking your product and services. 

But just because you missed the registration deadline for a tradeshow doesn't mean you can not go. There are many ways to make your company known just by being an attendee. 

As an attendee, you can scout what is new in the industry from the point-of-view of the consumer. Think of the questions your consumers would ask you about your products and services and see how your competitors and other adversaries answer or react. You might get some vital information that can put your company at the cutting edge of technology and help you prepare for your next tradeshow.

But attending a tradeshow can also get you closer to your consumers. You'll be walking among your consumers so striking up conversations and surveying the crowd will take little effort. Based on this feedback, you'll be able to tweak your services to better customer service and might learn a thing or two about what consumers are really looking for in products.

Promotional products can certainly help you out here too, despite not having the promotional tradeshow display. Handing out promotional pens or promotional notebooks is a good way to have an item with your logo and your name on an item they will be using all day at the tradeshow. Or for something more unique, consider handing out custom imprinted stress ball key chains. They are a fun and covert way to advertise your name at a tradeshow. Disclaimer: See tradeshow's policy on advertising and promotional giveaways before distributing promotional products. (we want you to be a success and not escorted out of the tradeshow) Promotional products are also perfect for networking with other companies in the hopes to collaborate on future endeavors.

Planning is key for any tradeshow and is necessary for networking and scouting at tradeshows.