Building Your Brand at a Trade Show

We’ve all seen it. That trade show exhibitor sitting idle on a chair behind a table watching people go by, or worse, looking down on their phone, wondering why they can’t get any leads.

Exhibiting at a trade show is quite expensive. You have likely invested in a backdrop display of some sort, a branded table throw, collaterals, giveaways, entry fees to the exhibit hall, payroll to staff the booth and so on. With the high investments you have made, you understand the value of what a trade show can do for your business – exposure to a plethora of interested buyers coming right to you. So why waste time and money by just sitting on your phone watching leads fall to the floor? Drive it home by successfully getting those potential customers to stop at your booth and become engaged.

Promotional products, better known as giveaways, can be the perfect tie-in to draw a crowd specifically to your booth and become engaged. Additionally, according to a 2017 study by Promotional Products Association International® (PPAI), 81% of recipients will keep a promotional product they were given for over a year. That’s a whole year of reminding the attendee of your product offering plus maximum brand exposure for you.

When heading to a trade show, think of items that best reflect and generate interest in your brand. Feel stuck? Here’s a Top Ten list of easy, yet effective, giveaways for trade shows (in no particular order) to help get you get started.

  • Pens

    Value: According to the Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI), pens are the most common giveaway item – they are portable, lightweight and easily received. Be sure to have attendees put that pen to use right away by writing down their contact info.

  • Lip Balm

    Value: Avoiding chapped lips at a trade show where lots of talking is involved might be on the top of the mind for trade show attendees. pde5 inhibitors Great for all ages and all seasons, plus many yummy flavors to choose from.

  • Breath Mints

    Value: With all those trade show conversations going on, there is bound to be some close talkers. Breath mints might be the best giveaway of the whole show. Not to mention the low cost, lightweight and minimal space features.

  • Smart Phone Wallet

    Value: A study released by Deloitte found that the average American checks their smart phone 46 times per day. Get your brand on someone’s phone and that’s some serious repeat exposure.

  • Power Banks

    Value: Who wants a dead phone battery while walking to a trade show? It can be used immediately and it’s worthwhile as 87% of consumers said they would keep a power bank because it’s useful, according to ASI.

  • Water Bottle

    Value: We all know the value of a reusable water bottles means less landfill waste and drinking more water. Take these values and pair your brand with a good life message. Though take heed – water bottles are a bit bulky so be sure to have the space, or hand out fewer to top leads only.

  • Tech Cord Organizer

    Value: As our lives have now transformed to completely technological, keeping those cords straight can be a hassle. Attendees will appreciate the help to stay organized. 

  • LED Light Key Chains

    Value: LED lights are powerful and can last for hours. Attach to a key chain and now you have a very useful product that will make your brand shine every day. 

  • Tote Bag

    Value: A great tote bag is a coveted item attendees will go out of their way to find at a trade show. Watch your brand make its way around the entire trade show floor, not to mention the repeated use at other events following the trade show.

  • Phone Stand

    Value: A modern way of earning limited desk real estate. Remember how many times Americans check their phones?  Some of those times will be while at their desk so your brand front and center will serve as a frequent reminder.

One of the most important things to remember when distributing giveaways at trade shows is to engage with a prospect. Despite the contact information and logo branded on a promo item, it cannot do all of the work for you. A promotional product can draw attendees to your booth, give them a reason to engage with you, and act as a valuable reminder of that engagement long after they’ve gone home. However, no one knows your product offering better than you. Use the giveaway to assist you and ensure attendees remember you, but the engagement and selling is all up to you.

The next time you exhibit at a trade show, get the biggest bang for your buck by calling Blue Fuel Marketing to assist in selecting the best giveaway item for you at 866-535-FUEL. Check out our website www.bluefuelmarketing.com or ‘like’ us on Facebook for fun ideas and more!