Yesterday, I had the pleasure of speaking to a group of New Brunswick businesses at a Strategic Marketing Program Workshop on trade show marketing.
One of the main issues was picking the right show to go to. You can do all the hard work planning for a trade show, but if it is the wrong show for your business, it is all for not. There are more than 30,000 trade shows globally per year to choose from. Make sure you consider the following when choosing one that is right for you.
It’s important to know that the attendees of the show match the profile of your target market. Find out from the show organizer who is attending the show you are interested in. Also find out who has previously exhibited at this show. If your competitors were there, it is a good bet you will be fine.
Focus on the quality of the attendees and not the quantity. Going to a show that has 1,000 attendees that fit your target market is much better than a show with 10,000 attendees that you know nothing about.
Trade shows can be a significant investment for your company. Do your homework to make sure it is a wise one.