A Quick Guide to Trade Show Booth Etiquette – SilkCards
Category: :: 07/18/2023
Attending a trade show can be an exciting opportunity to showcase your business, network with industry professionals, and generate leads. However, it’s important to remember that trade shows are professional events, and proper booth etiquette is essential for making a positive impression. In this blog post, we’ll explore the do’s and don’ts of trade show booth etiquette, from engaging with attendees to maintaining a professional appearance. Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or new to the trade show scene, these tips will help you maximize your impact and make the most of your time at the event. So grab your business cards and get ready to conquer the trade show floor!
Consume Food and Drink Away From the Booth
Different trade shows last for different periods of time, but most are at least a full-day experience. Anyone working at a booth will need food and drink during this time. However, eating full meals and keeping multiple beverages within the booth can affect professional appearances. Encourage your workers to take breaks and eat elsewhere. Coming back with a single water bottle or cup of coffee is fine, but make sure they don’t let trash pile up.
Engage Attendees in Brief yet Personal Conversations
The point of a trade show is to make connections. The best way to make those connections is with effective conversation. Train booth workers to show open body language, such as standing up straight and smiling. Open body language should draw attendees toward the booth.
Once someone comes to the booth, booth workers should engage them in short, personal conversations. Ask attendees about themselves first to get the conversation flowing, then engage with what they say and share how your business connects with them.
Prove You’re a Resource
While your booth workers should share how the business connects with attendees, this isn’t a standard sales pitch. You and your workers are not making a sale during the trade show. Instead, you’re trying to make lasting connections that can benefit both you and the attendee. The best way to achieve this lasting connection is to prove you’re a resource for the attendee. For example, don’t sell yourself as a lawyer offering legal services to businesses. Instead, tell attendees that you’re a business law expert and pass out related information, such as a bookmark with a snippet of legal information on it.
Remember Name Tags and Business Cards
Another key to making a lasting connection is to attach names with faces. Name tags are the best way to facilitate this connection upon greeting. Business cards are great for retaining this name-face connection after the trade show is over. Even if the business cards don’t have your picture on them, seeing your name written down on the card as it was written on the name tag will help the connection last.
Trade show booth etiquette is complicated, but following this quick guide can set you and your booth workers up for success. If you need custom business card printing before your next trade show, we can help. SilkCards offers unique card options that will stand out from the competition.