Yesterday I attended the excellent Square Meal Exhibition in London, where the Event industry showcases the outstanding services available for people wishing to put on corporate events. It’s a great show with a real buzz and for anyone in the industry, you can’t fail to meet up with contacts and re-connect. It is also brilliant for seeing what is going on in the industry and make new connections.
Of course a prestigious exhibition is expensive for companies to exhibit; many have very expensive, eye catching stands. But it has to work for them, so that people will come to the stand and that the people running the stand engage.
As a vocal and performance coach I couldn’t help but notice who was effective in engaging with potential contacts, and those that weren’t. It isn’t enough to have an eye-catching stand and some chocolates. And it isn’t enough for the people running the stand to look smart; if THEY don’t engage, then people are going to walk on. In fairness, as an event supplier, I am aware that I am not an ideal client, but I ensure I don’t waste people’s time! So here are some tips based on my observations.
- It’s great to stand outside your stand trying to catch people’s attention. Try to draw them into your stand.
- If you decide to have a glamorous young woman in dance clothes handing out leaflets randomly, ask her to have eye contact when she gives the leaflets. My leaflet went straight in the bin. What a waste.
- A smile and ‘hello’ go a long way.
- Being passionate about what you’re selling is a real advantage. One venue, One Moorgate (a great venue) had canapés being produced by the chef. They were wonderful. The people on the stand had all tried them and were able to generate interest!
- At least pretend you are interested; having been engaged by exhibitors, at least maintain some interest even when I’ve said I’m a supplier. You never know, I might need to recommend someone!
And just one more comment: if you are exhibiting and just looking at people’s companies, then BLANK me because you’ve seen my company name, you are missing a trick. I’ve already persuaded the School Ball committee not to hold the ball at your Hertfordshire venue…..
Exhibitions and the opportunities they create – whether this is a big exhibition or a small one, are fantastic. Remember to reach out to the visitors: you never know who they know or what a conversation could lead to. Good luck. If you have any tips, please leave them below.
If you like this blog, why not subscribe to our newsletter, which features lots of tips and ideas. We won’t spam you!
Managing Questions