5 Ways in Which Exhibitions Can Help Your Brand

In a world where technology and data have made almost all business processes electronic, there is an undeniable distance created between manufacturers/ marketeers and their customers. Marketing teams often manage operations without leaving their desks. Exhibitions help to bridge this gap.

5 Ways in Which Exhibitions Can Help Your Brand

Trade shows and exhibitions serve as a platform for companies, consumers, professionals and industry experts to come together, share information, network and build business relationships. Across the world, exhibitions are an essential part of product marketing and brand building. In emerging markets like India, they serve as influential catalysts for industrial and commercial growth.

So how can exhibitions help your brand? Let’s discuss some of the ways exhibitions can benefit your brand.

1. Showcase your brand

Exhibitions offer businesses a platform to create a lasting impression and engage customers in a way that is more impactful and memorable than most other marketing media. Companies can showcase their brand, promote their brand values and strengths with creative exhibition booth design. With eye-catching product displays, immersive virtual reality experiences, unique giveaways and other promotional ideas, customers can better experience your brand.

2. Face-to-face interaction

Research, marketing, advertising, taking orders, deliveries, answering queries – almost everything today can be done digitally. However, customers still want ‘real’ interaction with the brands they are buying. They want to meet real people and build real relationships. Exhibitions offer this opportunity to introduce yourself and your company, personally present your product or service, listen to customer opinion and build ‘real’ customer relations.

3. Learning

Exhibitions offer a great learning experience. You can interact with customers and encourage feedback which will help you gain insights to improve your product or service. You also get a chance to study the competition, update knowledge, listen to industry experts at seminars that are organised at the trade show, and generally get the pulse of the market or industry.

4. Targeted marketing

Generally, exhibitions are organised for a specific industry, so exhibitors can participate in the ones most relevant to them and their offering. Here, brands can showcase their products and technologies to a niche audience. Unlike advertising, where money is spent on a more blurred and mass audience, trade shows are more specific and relevant. Visitors are people who are interested in your industry and specifically looking for the products on display.

5. Product launch

Exhibitions can be used as soft launch pads for new innovations and product upgrades. Feasibility can be put to the test. If the new product does not appeal to the niche audience at the trade show, it will most probably not work in the market. Also, such launches can help garner invaluable feedback so companies can modify and tailor their innovations before the hard launch.

No wonder that many companies now consider business exhibitions and trade fairs a vital element of their marketing strategy. Point to remember is that participation is not a guarantee for big sales, but it will definitely contribute to brand building. Overall, considering the many advantages and benefits to be gained, exhibitions deliver good return on investment.

8 Tips for a Successful Exhibition in India

Exhibitions and expos are growing in popularity as more and more businesses experience the advantages of participation. An exhibition is an ideal platform to promote products and services. It gives manufacturers/suppliers an opportunity to engage with clients and prospects face-to-face. It’s an arena to build brand and develop customer base. It works as a test market for new innovations, and as a forum for networking and studying the market. 

8 Tips for a Successful Exhibition in India

Exhibitions and trade shows is a fast-growing industry worldwide, with Germany leading with two-thirds of the global market share. In India, there are over 700 major trade shows being organised every year, generating business of Rs.65,000 Cr.

Through the year, in cities and towns across the country, there are trade shows and industry expos being held. However, participation in a trade show can be expensive. So if you want results, and good return on investment from your exhibition in India, we have some tips to help you pave the way to success.

Tip 1: Select the relevant trade show

There are different trade shows for different industries. Pick the appropriate one for your business. Research the show, check how reputed it is, which companies participated and how many visitors attended in the previous year, analyse whether your TG will be attracted or not, etc. This background study will help you decide if a particular exhibition is right for your company.

Tip 2: Appoint a creative exhibition stand designer

The look and design of your stall is critical to attract eyeballs and footfalls. Your competitors will be at the show too, so your exhibition stall design should stand out in the crowd. Plan the layout in a way that facilitates circulation of booth traffic; ensure the trade fair booth design represents your brand appropriately; use creative gimmicks, interesting colours, materials and lighting to attract attention. Hire an experienced expo stand design agency that will create and execute a bespoke exhibition stand that enhances brand value and draws more visitors – in the city or cities required.

Tip 3: Keep collateral ready and handy

Plan all the marketing collateral you need for the show. Business cards, brochures, promotional leaflets, branded giveaways, etc. should all be designed and printed in sufficient quantity for the show. If your product and trade show TG warrant vernacular communication, have your leaflets translated and printed in the relevant language to improve reach.

Tip 4: Make bookings in time

Whether it is registration and stall booking or travel plans to the city of the trade show, it makes sense to do it early. The best spots, the closest hotels, air or train tickets – all such bookings should be made in advance for best results and maximum savings.

Tip 5: Appoint & train staff

A trade show is the most interactive marketing tool. It’s a platform to meet and communicate with potential and existing customers face to face. So naturally, your stall staff should be the best. Cordial and hospitable, knowledgeable and convincing – your staff should be well trained for the trade show. They must be fully aware of the company’s exhibition strategy, the products on display. Train them in advance; practice typical questions and answers with them. Explain dos and don’ts. They should be able to obtain information that facilitates lead generation and follow-up.

 Tip 6: Gather & annotate leads

Gathering leads is one of the main objectives of a trade show booth, so make sure you gather as many as you can. When interacting or handing out leaflets or gifts, get the visitor’s business card. Based on your reading of the visitor, make notes on the card or a separate diary, about special points you may have discussed, any follow-up plan you may think of, additional information promised, etc. This will come in handy after the trade show as reference for communication.  

Tip 7: Create pre-event buzz

Trade shows are a big investment. It pays to create a buzz around your participation to draw the right people to your trade show stall. Think digital. Send emailers and messages to existing clients inviting them to the upcoming exhibition. Create ads or banners on your website and social media sites. Set up meetings with attendees at your booth, days prior to the show. Pre-event marketing can help ensure a great turnout for your exhibition stand!

Tip 8: Start early

Planning and preparation is imperative for a successful exhibition stall. Whether working with an agency to design a custom-built exhibition stand, printing marketing collateral, executing the pre-event marketing plan, preparing for the particular location – the earlier you start, the better the outcome. Even finding out more about the location of the trade show, facilities available in the area, timelines and deadlines, distances, cultural aspects, etc. – can help you be better organized so you minimize problems and errors at the show.

Whether you are using the show to unveil a new product, simply draw attention to your brand and business, or you are trying to network for business partners, vendors and new customers, keep these tips in mind, and you’re sure to achieve your goals and have a successful trade show.

Pre-Exhibition Marketing Methods to Ensure More Footfalls at Your Stall

Participating in a trade show is a serious business. For companies, it’s a platform to promote their brand and expertise, and usually involves a hefty investment. Rent for the exhibition booth space, the cost of creative exhibition stand design and installation, travel and accommodation expenses incurred by company staff attending the trade show, free give-aways and other expenses – they all add up to a fairly large number. So naturally, you have to get good return on investment.

Pre-Exhibition Marketing Methods to Ensure More Footfalls at Your Stall

Whether you are looking for sales leads or to create a buzz for your brand, whether yours is a custom built exhibition stand or a modular design, success depends on getting the right people and the right volume to your booth.

Plan ahead

Research has shown that about 70% of attendees usually make a list of the stands they plan to visit long before they enter the exhibition hall or convention centre. Most individuals visit trade shows with the intent of finding products, services, and solutions so they have a predefined plan for the stalls they will visit during the event. Hence, it is necessary to ensure that visiting your exhibition stall becomes a part of your target audience’s agenda. To do that, they must be notified about your participation in an event in advance so that they are persuaded to visit your stall.

Here are 4 marketing methods to increase the footfall at your exhibition stall and maximize the return on your investment.

1. Harness the reach of social media

Social media is a great way to notify your target group that you are participating in a specific trade show. Create posts for your business page on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram and promote your exhibit. You can highlight features of your stall, introduce special offers, share videos of your product and invite visitors to come see/try the product up close.

2. Design a catchy email campaign

When it comes to email, there are two groups to target. Firstly your inhouse database of regular customers, local contacts and solid prospects. Secondly, the registered attendees of the trade show. Organisers will usually give you access to this list, so you can shortlist possible prospects and reach out to them.

Though the most ideal strategy would be to send personalised mails or invites, it may not be practical. In any case, email marketing is a really effective and inexpensive way of informing visitors and attracting leads. Here, rather than generic invitations, try highlighting a fresh offer or product feature that works as a hook to rouse curiosity and build interest in your product or company. 

3. Invest in digital marketing

While promoting your event on social media is free, it can be helpful to leverage paid ads and posts to ensure the right people see your communication through targeting. You could also build an interactive microsite with simple questions, drop-down lists etc. encouraging visitors to set an appointment for meeting at your stand. It’s a great way to ensure potential visitors visit your exhibition booth.

4. Go offline too

In addition to online channels, don’t forget to use every offline opportunity as well. You could publish advertisements in industry magazines to promote your exhibit and make a case for prospects to visit your trade show booth.

There are many companies who prefer to use snail mail too, sending creative invitations and direct mailers. In our increasingly digital world, holding attractive communication in your hand has its own appeal.

Conclusion

When planning your pre-exhibition marketing strategy, it’s worth remembering that even a creative exhibition stand design can draw crowds. But high footfall doesn’t always translate into success. A well-planned and efficiently-executed pre-exhibition marketing strategy can ensure that a high percentage of visitors are from your target demographic so you generate more relevant leads.

7 Ways to Attract & Engage Visitors at Your Exhibition Stand

7 Ways to Attract & Engage Visitors at Your Exhibition Stand

You’re participating in a trade show. You’re competitors are probably going to be there as well. Yet you look forward to a steady stream of visitors throughout the day. However, attracting footfall and engaging visitors for more than a fleeting moment call for some planning and bespoke exhibition stand design.

No matter what type of business you are in, no matter whether this is your first show or the nth one for you, here are some tried-and-tested methods of attracting and engaging visitors.

1. Pre-show promotion: Marketing your presence can impact the number of visitors you receive. Send emailers to existing and potential customers; update social feeds, advertise on relevant websites and magazines. Do it all before the show, so attendees can plan their day in advance and look for your exhibition stand when they arrive at the trade show.

2. Be visible: Bold colours, innovative lighting, eye-catching installations – do what it takes to design a spectacular stall. Conveying information is vital but attracting attention is just as important. Start planning months in advance and work with a creative exhibition stand design company for bespoke exhibition stand design & build – to ensure your stand is visible down the aisle and is striking and enticing enough to capture people’s attention.

3. Train staff: Booth staff plays a crucial role at trade shows. They need to convey the right image, be professional yet friendly. It is not enough to ensure that your workforce is knowledgeable about your product or service. They need to be able to engage people in friendly conversation, without coming across as being too pushy or sales-oriented.

4. Provide space for discussions: The crowds, noise and bustle of exhibitions can be overwhelming. If you provide comfortable seating in a quiet, relaxing lounge or enclosure, visitors are more likely to stay for a conversation. In any case, visitors will be tired from walking around the sprawling exhibition grounds, so they’re sure to welcome taking the load off their feet. And yes, a free cup of hot coffee or cool drink served during discussions would tempt them to sit longer!

5. Give freebies: Free gifts or merchandise is an effective trick to pull visitors to your stall. It could be something creative (but make sure it complements your brand image) or a simple branded pen, keychain or coffee mug. The takeaway could be something more professional like a white paper, ebook or subscription to a paid service. Remember, everyone loves a free gift, so visitors will throng your stand if you have something nice to give out.

6. Provide refreshment: Exhibitions can be exhausting and usually, refreshments sold at exhibitions are expensive or far away. Free coffee, ice cream, popcorn or even bottled water can draw visitors to your stall, and incentivize them to stay a while. That’s your opportunity to engage them in conversation!

7. Entertain: You could play an eye-catching, informative video or host a game; use virtual reality to create a life experience or hire a juggler. Entertainment will help you draw visitors and hold their interest.

Conclusion

It’s tough competing at trade shows. Remember that exhibition success depends on careful planning, creative design and innovative thinking. You could definitely do with some professional assistance.

Talk to SEED (Smart Exhibition & Environment Display). Based in Pune, India, SEED has the team, skills and experience to understand your brief and brand, work closely with your marketing team and develop your exhibition stall design with compelling creativity and proven capability. Anywhere in the world.

SEED has over 2 decades of experience in expo stand design & build across India and even abroad. SEED has served hundreds of clients in both B2B and B2C sectors, delivering award-winning exhibition stall design with hassle-free, quality construction.

SEED can even help promote your stall with a smart digital marketing strategy; ideate and execute innovative freebies; make interesting videos & presentations, etc. to enrich your exhibition booth design and ensure exhibition success. Contact SEED today for a free consult and quote.

CHECKLIST FOR EFFECTIVE EXHIBITION STALLS

Most businesses in the corporate world know, and acknowledge, the value of trade shows. What’s more, the value doesn’t just hold good for the ‘big guns’. Even small businesses and startups can benefit from this platform.

Trade shows offer an opportunity for real-time interaction; for face-to-face communication with prospects and customers. It’s a platform to build brand and launch new products and services while staying abreast of what’s happening in your industry. 

Exhibition Stall Design & Build

There are some things to consider and inputs to incorporate - before, during and after the show - if you want your trade show booth to deliver effective return on investment. Here’s a smart checklist.

BEFORE THE SHOW

- Appoint a professional design agency

- Develop a creative stand with a strong key message

- Ensure proper presentation of your brand

- Train staff to man the stall

- Inform customers & prospects about your participation

DURING THE SHOW

- Ensure your staff is greeting visitors warmly and providing required information

- Offer refreshments and/or giveaways to attract visitors

- Distribute relevant sales collaterals

- Scan attendees' badges or collect business cards to create a record of people you meet

AFTER THE SHOW 

- Follow-up with leads captured during the trade show

- Help your prospects move to the next level

- Review and analyze ‘lessons learned’ 

- If using a modular display system, dismantle and store components safely until the next show

SEED (Strategic Exhibition & Environment Display) can partner with you for complete Exhibition Design solutions from concept to commissioning. SEED is an Exhibition Design company with over 25 years of real-world experience in creative exhibition stall design for hundreds of companies – big and small, local and MNC, B2B and B2C. Thoughtful strategy aligns with well-crafted designs to achieve the specific goals set out by every client for each exhibition.

Creative Exhibition Stall Design

Whatever your industry; no matter where the exhibition, SEED has the expertise and network to ensure creative and timely trade show booth build that optimizes impact and ROI.

www.smartexhibitiondesign.com

Exhibition Design: Building Bridges across Streams

Exhibition Design: Building Bridges across Streams

Exhibition design is a continuously evolving field, “drawing on innovative, creative, and practical solutions to the challenge of developing communicative environments that ‘tell a story’ in a three-dimensional space”.

Wikipedia describes Exhibit Design as a collaborative process, integrating the disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture, graphic design, audiovisual engineering, digital media, lighting, interior design, and content development to develop an audience experience that interprets information, involves and engages a user and influences their understanding of a subject. 
Whether it is a trade show stand or retail space, corporate museum or brand experience centre, all types of exhibits aim to communicate with their audiences in an engaging and meaningful way. Creative exhibition design communicates information, objects and ideas across a range of three-dimensional environments.
Communication, design and fabrication are the 3 pillars of exhibition design. At SEED (Strategic Exhibition & Environment Display), multi-disciplinary professionals work closely together throughout the planning and design process which mirrors an architectural schedule. Moving from conceptual plan, through schematic design, design development, contract document, fabrication, and installation – SEED delivers creative exhibition stall design from concept-to-commissioning, for clients across the B2B and B2C spectrum.
SEED is a proven pan-India and globally operating exhibition design company with over 25 years of real-world experience in custom booth designs. Using a broad spectrum of design, management, and technical capabilities, SEED delivers distinctive 3D stall design, brand activation ideas & execution –in one package, less than one roof. SEED’s world-wide network of production vendors, stall builders & contractors to ensure your booth design is installed with quality, economy and hassle-free efficiency.
For a trade show stall that exceeds your exhibition goals, call SEED, the one-stop-shop exhibition stand design company in india.
Contact www. smartexhibitiondesign.com

Showcasing Creativity in Exhibition Design

For any business, big or small, exhibitions and trade shows are marketing opportunities they cannot afford to miss. Any company or brand who understands the value of Integrated Marketing knows that exhibitions are yet another touch point to communicate the brand promise. It's a chance to create visibility - and build credibility.

Trade shows offer an unparalleled platform to showcase products & services, meet and study the competition, interact with existing and prospective customers, stimulate business and build brand value.

One of the strongest reasons to participate in trade shows is that it provides highly targeted leads. People visiting the trade show will necessarily be interested in the companies and products on display, so you will garner leads that are far more relevant and worthwhile than names acquired anywhere else. In fact, visitors to trade shows are also more open to ‘shop’ on the spot.

Exhibitions offer an unmatched opportunity for strengthening your Brand. Business success depends greatly on branding, especially in industries that depend on trust.  At the trade show, you can communicate your brand values, and ‘display’ to your industry that you are a serious, reliable player.

For startups and small to medium companies, just by sharing the same space as larger companies, you can position yourself as a company that means business. And if you have a creative exhibition stall design, you’ll be able to attract eyeballs and strengthen your brand image.

According to Paul Woodward, Managing Director of UFI - The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, “Even in this day and age of exciting multi-channel and internet-based communication, the need for personal interaction has never been more important. There is a significant value of meeting with clients and future customers in person, experiencing that business is conducted between “real” people and moreover based on trust. The combination of exhibitions and virtual marketing are essential components to any company's communications strategy and ideally go hand in hand.”

Interics Designs is an Exhibition Design Company with over 25 years of experience in effective and creative exhibition stall design for varied clients – big and small, local and MNC, B2B and B2C. Our team of professional designers stalls builders & contractors ensure you get a booth design for exhibition that does your company proud. Distinctive 3D stall designs, eye-catching graphics, and flawless execution – it’s delivered in one expert, reliable and timely package by SEED (Smart and Effective Exhibition Design), and the Exhibition wing at Interics. For a trade show stall that creates a buzz for your brand, contact 

www. smartexhibitiondesign.com