As small business owners, especially those in the start up phase, preparing for a trade show can be a very scary and frustrating time. What do we take and how do we present it?

You first need to find out the specifics of the trade show you are registered for or considering exhibiting in. If necessary, contact the organizers of the event and get details on the type of visitors that the show attracts and the layout of the area you will have to display your business. Be sure to find out the size of the table you will have, whether there is wall space for your company sign, if there are electrical outlets available, and anything else that may or may not be included (ie. table cloth, etc.)

Once the show space specifics have been established, then you can move on to thinking about and deciding what and how you can ‘show your stuff’. The following are just a few ideas to help you get ready for that all important trade show. (Note: most of these ideas are based on being in the service industry but will work for products industry companies as well)

• If the table you have does not include a tablecloth, be sure to get one that compliments your display and represents your company’s image and colour scheme (without being overpowering). Even if a tablecloth is supplied, bring your own or something to add some depth to your table (ie. table runner). Your table will definitely stand out in a crowd.

• If space will allow, erect a stand-alone presentation board. On the board, you can show how clients can benefit by using your services. Be creative and make it stand out. Include pictures, if possible, and be sure your company name and logo are more than obvious.

• If there is wall space, but your budget is minimal, use your trusty desktop publishing software to create a template of your company name. Use the template, along with bristle board, cardboard, or foam core to make a sign that you can put up on the wall behind your booth.

• Arrange your table in levels. Put the larger items at the rear, shorter items in front of those, and even shorter items in front of those.

• Develop a PowerPoint presentation to display on your table (if an electrical outlet is within reach of your booth). You can make it on your desktop computer and transfer it to a laptop, which you can rent or borrow if you don’t already have one. Your visitors will find this visually appealing and will draw in their attention.

• Have a portfolio of your work available. Print off some of your best projects, put them into plastic sheet protectors, and arrange them in a binder. Then lay out the binder where visitors can flip through the pages.

• Have plenty of giveaways, such as business cards, brochures, pens, magnets, and anything else that has your company name and/or logo on it. Most people who attend trade shows are expecting to take home some goodies. And, be sure to use display racks for showing your flyers, specials, brochures, and such.

• Offer something a little different… FOOD. I displayed at the Bridges to Better Busin
  The Axiom of Value
  For the last 100 years, companies have relied on traditional advertising in the form of catchy jingles, TV commercials, billboards, print ads in newspapers and magazines, direct mail, hot air balloons, and waving mascots. The technique is to interrupt a radio listener, TV viewer, or magazine reader with an attention grabbing ad that compels the consumer to buy the company’s product or at least have the product closer to the forefront of his or her mind next time the individual is making a buying decision.In most instances, advertising is acceptable to the consumer. Most people don’t min
  e organizers of the event and get details on the type of visitors that the show attracts and the layout of the area you will have to display your business. Be sure to find out the size of the table you will have, whether there is wall space for your company sign, if there are electrical outlets available, and anything else that may or may not be included (ie. table cloth, etc.)

  Once the show space specifics have been established, then you can move on to thinking about and deciding what and how you can ‘show your stuff’. The following are just a few ideas to help you get ready for that all important trade show. (Note: most of these ideas are based on being in the service industry but will work for products industry companies as well)

  • If the table you have does not include a tablecloth, be sure to get one that compliments your display and represents your company’s image and colour scheme (without being overpowering). Even if a tablecloth is supplied, bring your own or something to add some depth to your table (ie. table runner). Your table will definitely stand out in a crowd.

  • If space will allow, erect a stand-alone presentation board. On the board, you can show how clients can benefit by using your services. Be creative and make it stand out. Include pictures, if possible, and be sure your company name and logo are more than obvious.

  • If there is wall space, but your budget is minimal, use your trusty desktop publishing software to create a template of your company name. Use the template, along with bristle board, cardboard, or foam core to make a sign that you can put up on the wall behind your booth.

  • Arrange your table in levels. Put the larger items at the rear, shorter items in front of those, and even shorter items in front of those.

  • Develop a PowerPoint presentation to display on your table (if an electrical outlet is within reach of your booth). You can make it on your desktop computer and transfer it to a laptop, which you can rent or borrow if you don’t already have one. Your visitors will find this visually appealing and will draw in their attention.

  • Have a portfolio of your work available. Print off some of your best projects, put them into plastic sheet protectors, and arrange them in a binder. Then lay out the binder where visitors can flip through the pages.

  • Have plenty of giveaways, such as business cards, brochures, pens, magnets, and anything else that has your company name and/or logo on it. Most people who attend trade shows are expecting to take home some goodies. And, be sure to use display racks for showing your flyers, specials, brochures, and such.

  • Offer something a little different… FOOD. I displayed at the Bridges to Better Busi
    Think Like a Reader, Viewer, or Listener to Get Great Publicity
    About a year ago I read a feature story in the Wall Street Journal. It was about a new trend -- baby showers that were being thrown for grandmothers.The article was terrific -- newsy, entertaining and informative. It was subsequently featured as a reprint in my local newspaper, and I'm sure in many other newspapers.I remember thinking (of course, being in the publicity business, this is the kind of stuff I think about) that this was a prime example of the quality of stories in the Wall Street Journal, and a major reason for the popularity of this newspaper.As a long-time
    ll work for products industry companies as well)

    • If the table you have does not include a tablecloth, be sure to get one that compliments your display and represents your company’s image and colour scheme (without being overpowering). Even if a tablecloth is supplied, bring your own or something to add some depth to your table (ie. table runner). Your table will definitely stand out in a crowd.

    • If space will allow, erect a stand-alone presentation board. On the board, you can show how clients can benefit by using your services. Be creative and make it stand out. Include pictures, if possible, and be sure your company name and logo are more than obvious.

    • If there is wall space, but your budget is minimal, use your trusty desktop publishing software to create a template of your company name. Use the template, along with bristle board, cardboard, or foam core to make a sign that you can put up on the wall behind your booth.

    • Arrange your table in levels. Put the larger items at the rear, shorter items in front of those, and even shorter items in front of those.

    • Develop a PowerPoint presentation to display on your table (if an electrical outlet is within reach of your booth). You can make it on your desktop computer and transfer it to a laptop, which you can rent or borrow if you don’t already have one. Your visitors will find this visually appealing and will draw in their attention.

    • Have a portfolio of your work available. Print off some of your best projects, put them into plastic sheet protectors, and arrange them in a binder. Then lay out the binder where visitors can flip through the pages.

    • Have plenty of giveaways, such as business cards, brochures, pens, magnets, and anything else that has your company name and/or logo on it. Most people who attend trade shows are expecting to take home some goodies. And, be sure to use display racks for showing your flyers, specials, brochures, and such.

    • Offer something a little different… FOOD. I displayed at the Bridges to Better Busi
      What is a Procurement Service Provider?
      The State of Massachusetts has defined Procurement as "the process to obtain materials, supplies, contracts at the best price reasonably available through open and fair competition."The use of Procurement Service Providers is rapidly increasing due to global market conditions and the need for businesses to maintain and reduce costs without eliminating resources. Many world-class organizations have already contracted with PSP's and estimates show that nearly half of U.S. companies are considering using PSP's in the next five years. Please read the information below to learn more abut
    • If there is wall space, but your budget is minimal, use your trusty desktop publishing software to create a template of your company name. Use the template, along with bristle board, cardboard, or foam core to make a sign that you can put up on the wall behind your booth.

    • Arrange your table in levels. Put the larger items at the rear, shorter items in front of those, and even shorter items in front of those.

    • Develop a PowerPoint presentation to display on your table (if an electrical outlet is within reach of your booth). You can make it on your desktop computer and transfer it to a laptop, which you can rent or borrow if you don’t already have one. Your visitors will find this visually appealing and will draw in their attention.

    • Have a portfolio of your work available. Print off some of your best projects, put them into plastic sheet protectors, and arrange them in a binder. Then lay out the binder where visitors can flip through the pages.

    • Have plenty of giveaways, such as business cards, brochures, pens, magnets, and anything else that has your company name and/or logo on it. Most people who attend trade shows are expecting to take home some goodies. And, be sure to use display racks for showing your flyers, specials, brochures, and such.

    • Offer something a little different… FOOD. I displayed at the Bridges to Better Busi
      Creating a Compelling Vision - Some Considerations
      “Would you tell me, please which way I ought to go from here?” she asked.. “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” was the reply. “I don’t much care where --” she said. “Then, it doesn’t matter which way you go.”That excerpt comes from Alice in Wonderland. The scene is when Alice comes to a crossroads and discovers the Cheshire cat perched in a tree. It’s a poignant reminder that the path we take will determine our destination. Whether it’s the path that we are taking for ourselves, or the one we want to lead our organization on, it really does matter where we want to
      find this visually appealing and will draw in their attention.

    • Have a portfolio of your work available. Print off some of your best projects, put them into plastic sheet protectors, and arrange them in a binder. Then lay out the binder where visitors can flip through the pages.

    • Have plenty of giveaways, such as business cards, brochures, pens, magnets, and anything else that has your company name and/or logo on it. Most people who attend trade shows are expecting to take home some goodies. And, be sure to use display racks for showing your flyers, specials, brochures, and such.

    • Offer something a little different… FOOD. I displayed at the Bridges to Better Business trade show in Brampton and included a basket of Girl Guide cookies on my table. They were a big hit… I wish I had brought more. If you can, package your food in a way that will allow you to have your company contact info on it.

    • Offer Gift Certificates for some of your services. There’s nothing better than getting a deal and, when they ‘cash in’ their certificate, they will see how valuable your services are and will come back for more.

    • Have a drawing for a prize. Offer a prize that, in some way, compliments your business if possible, and appeals to anyone. Have visitors and entrants sign a guestbook, fill in a ticket, or drop their business cards into a fish bowl or gift bag. You can then use this information at a later date to make a follow up contact.

    • If the show will be on for an extended length of time, be sure to have assistance in manning your booth so you can take a break. If you don’t have the option of having someone take over for a bit, be sure to put up a note that tells people how long you will be gone or when you will be back.

    Most importantly, be friendly and inviting. Say hi to those that turn and look toward you or your booth. Strike up a conversation and be sure to have a short introductory speech ready. And…have fun!