Here at the Trade Shows Blog, we're always looking for cutting edge ideas and technology within the industry. Today, however, let's discuss tips specifically for beginners. If you're exhibiting for the first time or are still getting used to it, the advice below is just for you!

Exhibitor Manual

Get your hands on the exhibitor manual ASAP. Look for information that may affect your booth, including electric, shipping and carpeting.

Order Early

Whether you plan on purchasing trade show giveaways or are looking to install a memorable booth, ordering early is the key to securing a great price and top-notch products.

Don't Over-Pack

Sure, promotional products and an elaborate booth can make a big impression. But be sure not to over-pack! For example, instead of wasting money and paper with brochures and pamphlets, direct visitors to your website.

What other tips do you have for trade show newbies?

People usually visit trade shows to check out exhibitors' products, services, fresh ideas, etc. But have you ever attended one in hopes of finding a job?

It might be a great idea for you. Almost any industry you can think of holds an annual trade show. Why not take that the opportunity to network with other industry professionals? After all, often times it's not what you know, but who you know.

Here are a few tips for job searching at conventions:

1. Start with local trade shows in order to begin building your network. This will also give you the opportunity to get used to the trade show experience before jumping into larger, nationwide shows.

2. Meet people. In fact, meet as many people as you can. Make it your goal to collect and give out as many business cards as possible.

3. Prepare quality questions beforehand so that exhibitors see your value. Engage in conversations about industry issues and expertise.

4. Follow up within 48 hours of the event. Do this more easily by importing new contact information into your database and touching base via email.

5. Keep in touch, but don't overwhelm. Remind your new contacts that you're still interested by sending a quick message on at least a quarterly basis.

As you can see, making connections at trade shows is easier than you thought! Who knows? Your new friends may just help you land the job of your dreams. Please share any other tips you may have!

It's officially trade show season, and exhibitors are understandably excited about showing off their new products and services.  But be careful; lots of companies overspend in preparation for the conventions and attend unnecessary shows with no gain.  Let's go over some common traps that companies fall into during trade show season:

1.  Too much space

According to CBS News, one of the most common mistakes exhibitors make is going too big.  Just because the booth next door to you is impressive in size, doesn't mean that yours is too small. "Money spent to make that booth look as elegant and professional as possible is generally better than money spent for more real estate and all of the additional expenses that come with it," says trade show veteran Michael Hess.  Therefore, instead of renting out extra space, make sure your trade show tent looks presentable and appealing.

2.  Too many representatives

You may be tempted to send multiple representatives from your company to exhibit at the upcoming trade show.  But remember:  The more people you send away from the office, the less work will get done at home.  Plus, expenses due to airfare, meals, entertainment, hotels, and transportation really add up.  Figure out how many people you can afford to send away, and stick to it.

3.  Too many last-minute changes

A big event rarely goes off without a hitch; there's always going to be something someone forgot to do, bring, or say.  But with proper planning, you can avoid making last-minute (and potentially costly) changes.

4.  Too many shows

Of course you want to show off your product or service to as many people as possible, but more shows doesn't always mean more sales.  According to Hess, "You should always question a show that will mainly put you in front of people you see in the normal course of business."  If your reps regularly see the dealers you'd see at a particular show, you might want to spend your money elsewhere.

5.  Too much inaction

Simply sitting at your booth is not the same as "having a presence."  You've got to engage attendees.  How you draw people in is your choice -- perhaps you want to include a sign-up sheet, or maybe you'd prefer to hand out trade show giveaways.  Do whatever you think will get attendees to act.

Before deciding when and where to exhibit, consider the reasons, the expenses, and whether or not you can afford to miss the show.  If attending is absolutely necessary, constantly keep an eye out for ways to cut waste.

Sometimes, the idea of attending a trade show can be a little overwhelming.  How will I make a good impression?  How much literature should I hand out?  These are all questions that may be running through your head.  But if you follow these tips, you'll find that your trade show booth will be a success:

1.  Be inviting

At a lot of the trade shows I've attended, the most successful exhibitors are ones that invite attendees in.  Here's what I mean:  instead of standing behind a table, effectively cutting yourself off from the rest of the trade show, try eliminating the boundaries that a table creates.  You are the representative for your company or product, and you know it up and down.  Make yourself available; hop around to the front of the table and show everyone what you've got.  The trade show is meant to encourage interaction, not create limitations.

2.  Don't count on your brochure

It's a great idea to have some literature that will help reiterate your company, brand or product's message.  But many people count on their brochures to do all the talking.  Your literature should serve as supplemental information, not the only information.  Again, you know the details about your organization or item, so prove it.  Hand out literature only after an attendee has expressed interest.  You want to facilitate communication and a two-way information flow.

3.  Utilize giveaways

Making use of trade show giveaways is a fantastic way to bring the crowds over to your booth.  But make sure you're using them the right way; otherwise, potential clients may simply take your gift and run.  Handing out promotional keychains, for example, will certainly garner attention for your company or product.  But don't forget to imprint with your corporate name, logo, and contact information.  This way, your giveaway won't just serve as a freebie; it will also act as a business card!

Following these tips is a surefire way to ensure your booth at the next trade show is a success.  As you can see, there's no reason to feel anxious or stressed!  Just be yourself, be personable, and make connections.  Have fun!