Conventions are a great opportunity to meet potential customers, make connections, and get your business noticed.
But preparing for them can feel overwhelming…especially if you don’t have time to do the planning.
So I’m going to help you think through what you need.
I’ve broken the plan up into 3 stages that will help you set your booth up for success, engage with people who stop by, and stay connected with visitors after the event is over.
Here are the 3 stages of planning for your next convention:
1: Make It Easy for People to Find You
At a busy convention, you’re competing for attention with dozens—even hundreds—of other businesses. Using your signage should quickly tell people who you are and what you do.
Consider using these tools to catch their eye:
Banners: These go above and outside your booth where people can see them from a distance. Make them big and branded – like a retractable vertical banner or one with grommets that you can hang.
Booth signage: Put these on your table as informational guides to greet visitors and provide information. Keep them in plastic frames to help them last for the length of the event
Tablecloths: No plain white tablecloths for you! A simple branded tablecloth will give your booth a finished look.
Backdrops: These are optional but if there’s a way to hang a backdrop, it can provide a warm and personal space.
For all of these big items, keep your message simple. This is your opportunity to bring in your branding, colors, and logos so your booth feels professional and recognizable. People should be able to understand what your business offers with just a quick glance.
2: Support sales now and later
Conversations at conventions can be quick. You’ll talk to a lot of people and they’ll talk to even more – it’s almost impossible to track it all.
Well-designed printed materials give them more information you may not have time to cover in a quick conversation. It’s something they can take with them to review after the event when they have a moment.
This is how you stand out, help them remember your conversation, and encourage them to reconnect with you.
Great marketing materials that can help you do this include:
- Brochures (trifolds, bifolds… so many options)
- Booklets
- Flyers
- Product sheets
- Postcards
- …and of course, Business Cards
Quick tips:
- Include your contact information on all of your materials so people know how to reconnect with you.
- Add a QR code that leads to your website, social media page, or a special offer.
3: Have A Plan for Following Up
The Convention Doesn’t End When You Pack Up Your Booth
Meeting them is only the first step. Think about what action you want attendees to take after meeting you.
Do you want them to:
- Visit your website?
- Sign up for your email list?
- Follow you on social media?
- Schedule a consultation?
- Take advantage of a special offer?
Make sure your printed materials encourage this action by giving attendees an easy way to take that next step.
Every marketing piece you bring to the convention should have a distinct purpose.
Prepare Now, Stress Less Later
A successful convention doesn’t happen by accident.
Having eye-catching signage, helpful printed materials, and a clear follow-up plan will help you drive the results you’re looking for
Start planning early so you have time to review your materials, update your branding and messaging, and avoid the stress of last-minute printing.
To get started, contact us here to schedule a call so we can talk about what you need for your upcoming convention.
