If you’re a retailer or wholesaler and you’ve never been to a trade show, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. If you’ve been on the fence about attending a trade show for some time and you’re wondering what the benefits are, we’ve laid them out for you!
Although an investment, the benefits far outweigh the costs of travel and registration.
Knowledge
At a trade show, you’ll gain valuable knowledge. Keeping up with current trends in your field is absolutely essential to success—having a narrow focus in a big market simply won’t cut it. A big event with similar businesses, as well as your direct competitors, will help you figure out what’s working, what’s not working and how you can fix it.
Speaking of direct competitors—they’ll be right there! You can see them face-to-face, talk to them, check out their products and designs etc. You can see what they’re doing that you aren’t, as well as recognize what you’re doing that they aren’t. You’ll come up with new and better ways to support your business by being around people in similar fields.
Through the educational seminars, networking events and surveys exclusive to these kinds of events, you’ll be a better business leader when you leave. Always learning, growing and exposing yourself to new ideas and new ways of thinking will put you far ahead of the rest.
Connections
Networking gets you business, new ideas, new support systems in your field and so much more. Not only can you interact directly with your customers and your potential customers, but you can also interact with similar businesses that may prove beneficial in the future. If you run into a business with a completely different product or service but the exact same market, network! Exchange contact lists and double your lead generation.
People have to know about you before they can do business with you, and a trade show is amazing exposure. Personally connecting with someone fact-to-face at an event will make you stick out in their minds later. Make sure your design is eye-catching and your customer service in on point, and you’ll make a lasting impression. People at trade shows are actively seeking out your services! In the words of Seth Godin, “Selling to people who actually want to hear from you is more effective than interrupting strangers who don’t.” Why not take advantage of your market being gathered in one place, wanting to speak to you?
In addition to all of these benefits for your business, trade shows are simply really fun. They’re high-energy, interactive and motivating for you and your staff. You’ll meet interesting people, make sales and partnerships and your team will thank you for it.
For all your design needs, contact Design Display for your next trade show today!