10 Ways to use Trade Shows to Market Your Business

Trade shows are a terrific way to market your business. It is an opportunity for your business to promote itself using different and creative methods. Below are some great and fun ways that will help market your products and services.

1. Hire a local auctioneer. During the show, let him market your products in the tone and voice that he uses at his regular auctions. This will definitely get attention.  If it’s not overdone, this can be very effective and different.

2. Have a helium balloon machine located inside your trade show display. Blow up balloons during the show and give them away to the attendees. Inside the balloons are prizes.  Visitors will pop the balloons to see what the prize is.  The popping sound will also attract attention and may even draw a crowd.

3. Have a big drawing or raffle. Everyone that enters your exhibit booth has a chance to win something of real value.  They have to be present to win.  Make sure the award time is easy to find.  This will give you two opportunities to attract prospects to your booth.

4. Pass out brochures with special offers or gifts certificates attached to attendees walking by your trade show booth.

5. Have a few directors chairs located inside your booth so that tired attendees can sit and rest. Offer snacks and refreshments.  This gives you a semi-captive audience to pitch your company to.

6. Give a branded tote as a “goody bag” that has a few promotional products for attendees to carry brochures in.

7. Have a fake news crew interviewing your company in your booth.  Great for product launches.  Involve and interview show attendees and staff.  It will also make a great PR video after wards.

8. Offer free foods such as cookies, candies or snacks. 

9. Hire a celebrity, a mascot or a model to work your booth.  This may add a sense of humor or intrigue to your display. 

10. Offer a “Spin to Win” event in your booth.  The winner can walk away with various prizes which may include product discounts, promotional items or even an iPad for instance.