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Writer's pictureAlison French

Trade Show Selling Tips — Showcasing Your A-Game on the Trade Show Floor

Updated: Oct 1

The big day has arrived. You've prepared, you've practiced, and now it's time to shine. Today, we're diving into the strategies that will help you make the most of your time on the show floor. Ready to bring your A-game? Let's get started!



The Perfect Booth Approach

First impressions matter, so let's nail that initial interaction:


- Approach each booth with confidence, knowing the names of decision-makers you want to connect with

- Have a few secondary contact names ready in case your primary target isn't available

- Ditch the old-school business card exchange. Instead, focus on making real-time LinkedIn connections to stay on prospects' radars long after the show


Remember, your first few words can make or break the interaction. Make them count!



Real-Time Data: The Key to Effective Follow-up

The conversations you have on the show floor are gold. Here's how to mine that gold effectively:


- Have a system in place for capturing key takeaways and personalizing your follow-up

- Consider using a shared document, Slack channel, or even sending photos of business cards to virtual assistants for quick transcription

- Ensure your marketing or sales enablement team has access to these notes ASAP. This allows them to tailor follow-up messaging while the show is still fresh in prospects' minds


Pro Tip: Use a mobile app connected to your prospect database. This allows you to easily capture who you've met and add notes in real-time, syncing directly with your CRM for seamless follow-up.


Driving Clicks: Pixel Power

The trade show floor is prime real estate for capturing those valuable retargeting pixels:


- Use QR codes strategically to direct prospects to landing pages

- Offer enticing giveaways in exchange for contact details

- This strategy nets you both retargeting pixels and crucial contact information


The Last Day Advantage

Don't pack up early! The final day of the conference can be a goldmine:


- Exhibitors often have more time for in-depth conversations

- They might be more receptive to scheduling follow-up meetings

- Use this less hectic time to have those meaningful discussions you couldn't fit in earlier


Key Takeaways: Trade Show Selling Tips

1. Prepare Your Approach:

   - Know exactly who you want to speak with at each booth

   - Have backup names ready in case your primary contact isn't available


2. Prioritize LinkedIn Connections:

   - Focus on making real-time LinkedIn connections instead of exchanging business cards

   - This ensures you stay connected long after the show ends


3. Capture Data in Real-Time:

   - Use a system (whether it's an app, shared document, or virtual assistant) to record interactions immediately

   - Ensure this information is quickly accessible to your marketing team for prompt follow-up


4. Leverage QR Codes:

   - Use QR codes to drive traffic to your website and capture retargeting pixels

   - Offer valuable giveaways to incentivize prospects to share their information


5. Maximize the Last Day:

   - Don't overlook the final day of the show

   - Use the quieter atmosphere to your advantage for more in-depth conversations


Remember, the key to trade show selling success is engagement. Every interaction is an opportunity to build a relationship, showcase your value, and set the stage for future business. Stay energized, stay focused, and most importantly, stay authentic in your interactions.


Stay tuned for our next post, where we'll dive into the critical post-show follow-up strategies that will help you turn those show floor connections into long-term business relationships. You won't want to miss these tips for maintaining momentum after the booth lights dim!

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