Start-Up Business Trade Show Tips

Start-Up Business & Trade Show Canopy Tips

Here are some tips that can help you get your start-up going strong. Our goal with this advice is to save you save time and money.

Tip #1: Add Social Media to Your Signage Websites such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Pinterest to get brand exposure. These accounts are free and becoming increasingly vital in order to draw attention to your company or product. Use these platforms to tell your story and show them off everywhere you can.
Tip #2: Display Your Company Name or Slogan Proudly Pick the name or slogan that reflects your core product or company service your are offering. Get a logo designed and print business cards including other low-cost marketing materials such as bi-fold brochures, a printed table cover with your logo and maybe a sign or printed flag banner. You can also build your own website through services such as Wix or GoDaddy. It’s pretty simple, affordable process. These are small things that will get you noticed, give your brand increased visibility and legitimacy.
Tip #3: Engage Your Customers Once you’ve laid some of the foundation, you will need to engage customers in person. Events such as local farmers markets and fairs present ideal opportunities to raise your profile. Of course, attending industry-related expos or trade shows is also a great option. Remember, no one will sell your product better than yourself, and the feedback you receive from potential customers is invaluable.
Tip #4: Location, Location, Location If you do plan on attending a trade show expo or show, we recommend securing a location near the front entrance or in the center of the venue. Locking down the perfect location will help you capture floor traffic early on when attendees are more fresh and energetic, increasing the changes that they will stop by your booth. A standard booth size at most expos/trade shows is 10 ft. x 10 ft. Keep in mind that the cost of attending a trade show can vary greatly. Based on our experience, national trade shows are more expensive than your local regional shows. Therefore, try to find a local trade association related to your product or industry in order to get your foot in the door.
Tip #5: Trade Shows, Festivals & Craft fairs If you frequently attend trade shows or other large events, and if brand exposure is a top priority for your business, then consider investing in an event or trade show custom canopy booth. These canopy booths can feature a semi-enclosed setup, which includes a solid back wall and two half-walls on the sides. This will allow you to have good customer visibility while still controlling the flow of foot traffic when potential customers walk through your space. It sets up easily without tools and the walls are secured to the top with hook-and-loop fasteners. Of course, custom-printed graphics are also highly recommended.
Tip #6: Events on a Budget We know how expensive booking a trade show or festival can be. A standard 10 ft. x 10 ft. booth space can cost from several hundred to thousands of dollars! Here’s a tip for you: If you’re on a budget but still want to stand out from the competition, consider purchasing custom printed flags, banners and printed table covers. These event-advertising adornments will give you the brand exposure you need, all without breaking the bank.
Tip #7: What to Ask Your Event or Venue Questions to ask when booking a trade show: Here are some questions we recommend you ask the trade show or event organization prior to booking your booth: What was your average past attendance? How many exhibitor spaces are booked? Ask for an exhibitor list and find out how many of your competitors will be exhibiting. What is the cost and is there a discount if I book several months in advance? What’s included in the booth space and how many days is the event?
Tip #8: Booth Design Once you’ve done your homework and booked your event, do your best to design a display with eye-catching colors and maximum brand exposure. For example a trade show booth or food service booth is cost effective and perfect for events such as this. A standard event booth canopy can start from a few hundred dollars without custom graphics, but for a little more you can have your tent custom printed with your logo and website! Simply add a branded table cover and a couple of flags, and you’re in business! Such a setup is easy to put up, conveniently portable, and requires few tools, if any. Contact us about how we can help you with your custom canopy needs to have the best chances of success at your events.	Get a Free Quote & Mockup