Around 13,000 trade shows take place in the United States every year. That accounts for 40% of all trade shows globally. However, due to the ongoing pandemic, these events died down in the past couple of years. Organizers either canceled them completely or took them online. However, things with COVID-19 are looking a lot better now, and 2022 might see trade shows going back to normal.
Big businesses dominate these events, but startups usually steal the limelight. Making the right choices here can help startups grow. So if you are running a startup and want to attend a trade show in 2022, here are a few things you should know.
How Much It Costs to Rent Space at a Trade Show
When you are about to take part in trade show exhibits, you will need to decide on budgets for your stalls. And a major portion of your budget for a trade show will go towards the rent you need to pay for your stall.
On average, per square foot of floor space at a trade show event will cost you around $50 to $150. So a 10×10 square foot booth will cost you upwards of $5,000. A 20×20 square foot booth at the same event will cost upwards of $20,000. These costs are just for renting the space at the event. Alongside the rent, you also need to pay for setting up the stall, decoration, posters, flyers, and so on.
The rent can vary from event to event. It is up to the organizers to decide these rents. The more popular trade shows charge more per square foot of floor space.
Make the Booths As Appealing As Possible
In 2022, many brands and businesses will be attending trade shows after almost two years. They will all be looking to make their trade show booths look as beautiful as possible. And for that, they will put all their focus on the overall booth design.
You too need to stand out at the event, given that you are a newcomer and want to make an impression. The best way to go would be to hire a company that can design and build a custom trade show exhibit. A custom booth will bring your brand to life and help you get noticed at a trade show.
It will speak to your potential clientele and will create a welcoming environment for the booth. By hiring the right professionals for this job, you do not have to worry about anything. They will work on the graphics, help you choose a theme and color palette, and even install and dismantle the booth when necessary.
So even though this might be your first time at a trade show, do not let it go to waste. Get the right people to work on your booth, and you will see how it appeals to the visitors.
Use Flyers, Brochures, and Giveaways to Promote Your Brand
People might not spend much time at your booth, but they will surely like to take a flyer or brochure home with them. Then, they can take a closer look at your brand, what you are doing, what you aim to achieve as a startup, and so on.
Not only do the flyers and brochures have to be appealing, but they also need to be informative. At the same time, do not make it overwhelming by adding too much text. Instead, go for a simple approach that utilizes more images and infographics, and minimum text.
Many of your visitors might sign up or subscribe to your service or mailing list at the trade show. You can offer exclusive giveaways to them. These giveaways can include customized mugs, keychains, wristbands, stickers, etc. Whatever it is that you are offering here, make sure to stamp your company logo on it.
Promote the Event on Social Media
You will want to let people know that you are taking part in the trade show. That way, you can get a few more leads and potential clients. And the best way to do that in modern times is by promoting it on social media.
Share the news on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also arrange for a funky way to announce it on TikTok. Startups usually lack a proper social media following. You might have to opt for sponsored posts if that is the case with you too.
Focus on the visuals. 70% of marketers believe that the visuals alone drive more results in favor of businesses. Statistics also suggest that around 90% of marketers are always looking to insert visuals in the content they publish. So with the right visuals and copywriting, you can successfully promote your stall on social media. Start promoting at least a week before the event, and continue till the day it ends.
Now that you know what to do, start preparing for the event. The sooner you start planning, the better your booth will be. So go out there, do your best, and outshine the other brands and businesses.
