Understanding Your Audience at an Expo

What does an attendee want from a trade show? It’s simple, they want companies that can meet their needs. The company must either meet their needs with new products/services and/or solve a problem in an efficient and cost effective manner. What can you as an exhibitor do to make sure this happens and make the show more productive for the attendees? Below is a list of tips to help you at the upcoming 2010 Small Business Expo: Small Businesses Leading the Way on Thursday, April 29 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Receptions, Inc. 1. Send an invitation, either by mail or a phone call letting them know you will be there and that they should stop and see you. TIP: Fax them a map of the floor plan clearly marking where your booth is located so they can find you. 2. They want to know what you are about quickly. It is extremely important that you know your message and can convey it quickly. 3. Show them what is new….highlight new products and services with words like “new”. 4. Let them know whom else you are doing business with. This creates a sense of security and comfort knowing names of some of your other customers for whom you have provided solutions. 5. Don’t pressure them into committing to do business with you, this is a turn off! 6. Ask them what they need and really listen to them. Focus on what they are saying, This can be difficult with the fast pace of a show but try and shut everything out for a couple of minutes and really listen. 7. Pay attention to them, make eye contact and acknowledge them if they are waiting. Don’t focus on just the men in a group, make eye contact and present to the women too, she just may be the decision maker. 8. Smile and say thanks, this is just a common courtesy but it is remembered. 9. Keep your promises. If you say you’ll send literature or you will call you better do it, they’ll remember if you don’t. You can utilize all of these skills at the 2010 Small Business Expo featuring more than 100 exhibitors, two seminars, three fabulous door prize packages and “A Taste of the Northern Kentucky Chamber.” For more information on the event or to see a list of exhibitors visit www.nkychamber.com or contact Sarah Klamo at sklamo@nkychamber.com.

Submitted by Carla Eng, President of Abstract Displays Inc. and Small Business Expo committee member.  If you need help at an upcoming expo you can contact Carla at (513) 985-9700.

How to Be the Best Exhibitor and Gain Leads

The key to maximizing trade shows is realizing it brings together buyers and sellers in a productive selling environment that will increase the odds of closing. 

To ensure that you have a productive selling environment you need to make sure you do some strategic thinking and planning.  Below is a check list of items to help you prepare for the upcoming 2010 Small Business Expo: Small Businesses Leading the Way on Thurs., Apr. 29 from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Receptions, Inc.

1. Set your objective.  Whether it is to gather leads, meet existing clients or just gain exposure for your company name/products, you have to decide why you are going. 

2.  Know what your message is and make sure you convey it to your staff working the booth.  You should also include this message in your booth graphics so the audience knows who you are and what you do. 

3. Make sure you identify your target audience.  You can do this by having qualifying questions ready when someone comes by your booth.

4. Plan your exhibit layout ahead of time, don’t wait until you get to the show and realize your booth products & staff don’t fit!  Find out if your competition is going to the show and where they are located.

5. Choose a good location.  Stay away from concession stands and restrooms.  People that pass by these locations only have one thing on their mind, getting lunch or getting rid of lunch.

6. The staff you choose to work the booth is key to your shows success.  You need people that are willing to engage people, can convey your message and qualify people.

7. Know your options for your booth.  Do you purchase or rent an exhibit?  Depending on the # of shows rental may be a viable option.  If you are purchasing, give yourself time to design an effect booth and graphic design.

The 2010 Small Business Expo will feature more than 100 exhibitors, two seminars, three fabulous door prize packages and “A Taste of the Northern Kentucky Chamber.”  For more information on  the event or to see a list of exhibitors visit www.nkychamber.com or contact Sarah Klamo at sklamo@nkychamber.com. 

Submitted by Carla Eng, President, Abstract Displays Inc. and Small Business Expo committee member.

Booths are Sold Out!!!

The expo booths for 2010 are sold out!  Make sure to click exhibitors above to see a full listing of our 100+ exhibitors.  Each one is linked to their website so that you can find out what they do and get ready to network with them on April 29th.  Anyone can attend ($5 Chamber Members and $10 Future Members).  This year the expo will feature two interactive seminars, 3 BIG door prize and a Taste of NKY. 

We are still looking for 3 vendors to be at the Taste.  If you know someone that might be interested have them contact Sarah Klamo at (859) 578-6397.  The Taste will also include a wine tasting by Elk Creek Vineyards and Stonebrook Winery.  This is NOT your typical expo!

Exhibitors Listed

The list has been updated on the latest exhibitors.  Check out the wide variety…this is definitely not your typical expo.  All you have to do to see them is to click the exhibitors link above.  This will show you the list of exhibitors including their websites.  We still have room for about 40 more so make sure you tell friends and colleagues to sign up!  We are also looking for 4-5 more food vendors, if you know a restaurant that would like to participate have them contact Sarah Klamo at (859) 578-6397.

Door Prizes

We are still working on our three BIG door prize packages to draw attendees. If you know of someone that would like to donate an item have them contact Sarah Klamo (859) 578-6397. So far we have a Wine & Cheese package to Elk Creek Winery and a $660 dance package to Athur Murray’s Dance studio in florence!

Not Your Average Expo

Not Your Average Expo
Discover the small businesses of your community, gain knowledge, save your company time and money! This expo featuries 100 local businesses, two seminars and three BIG door prizes.   Booths and sponsorships are now available.  To learn more click the links to additional pages above.  Our goal is to have 1,000 attendees this year, up from 600 last year.