Business

Trade Show Etiquette – What You Need To Know 

Photo of author

By Kaleem Ullah

Having the chance to exhibit at a trade show is a great opportunity to gain exposure for your brand and perhaps even make a bit of a profit along the way. In addition to having an amazing trade show display and great marketing material available, you and your team’s etiquette needs to be at the top of its game in order to come out of this experience successfully. It is not enough to just have good products and a great booth – your mannerisms and etiquette that is presented at a trade show goes a long way in the successfulness of your experience. 

Professionality and Hospitality

While this may seem like a given, never underestimate the importance of genuine hospitality and having a top-tier professional attitude. Going through a mannerisms training before you exhibit at a trade show could be beneficial to ensure that everyone is on the same page. You will all want to be inviting and very kind as guests approach your booth during the event. Practice some phrases that can help you engage in meaningful conversations with those who approach. Fun conversations can keep attendees engaged in what you are doing and can lead into conversations about products and services that may be of a benefit to them. Simple aspects of your person can go a long way as well. A smile and standing actively engaged will be inviting and help them to feel like you are invested and interested in helping make their life better. 

Being Actively Engaged and Dressing Appropriately

If at all possible, try to avoid using chairs while you are exhibiting at a trade show. When you are sitting or you are looking at your phone, it gives off the impression that you are not engaged in your own experience. It can be hard to approach people who look like they are disinterested and who are busy with their phones. If this is what you are presenting, then many people will not stop and they will walk right past your exhibit. Even if you need to sit, try to be as actively engaged as you possibly can to get people to approach you. Being professionally dressed is also something extremely important to do. You want to be dressed appropriately according to the industry in which you are presenting. So make sure you research the specific type of trade show you are exhibiting at and dress accordingly. 

Be Organized and Positive!

Nothing is more off-putting than a trash filled and disorganized booth display. Being organized with your products well placed is inviting and gives a sense of professionalism and expertise. Make sure that you throw and trash away and keep your personal belongings stored at all times. Being positive at this time will also help with the over feel of the presentation too. When you are happy and smiling, this helps others to be happy as well – whether it is the attendees or even your teammates. The trade show experience can be a long and tiring one, but hide that the best you can in order to achieve the successfulness you are looking for in your experience.