Author: Oser Communications Group

are trade shows considered advertising

Are Trade Shows Considered Advertising?

Business leaders looking to drum up new leads can greatly benefit from showcasing their products and services at an industry-wide trade show. One question that tends to leave corporate executives torn is, “Are trade shows considered advertising or a sales-centric event?” Learn how you can take part in a successful trade show with helpful tips from Oser Communications Group, a team that specializes in trade show marketing

Trade Shows Reach Your Target Audience

A major reason why experts view trade shows as advertising material is because they often focus on a niche audience. Whether it be industry peers or potential clients looking for your products and services, every trade show has a unique group of attendees. It’s your responsibility to cater to that audience and make sure you advertise the show to them. 

For example, if your target audience is young tech entrepreneurs, use social media and technology forums that those entrepreneurs are likely to frequent. Spread the message that you’ll be showcasing your brand at an industry trade show and that it will benefit them to attend. 

You Meet with Prospective Clients Face-to-Face

How are trade shows considered advertising rather than sales-focused? A successful show satisfies both of these areas. Both regional and international trade shows bring together professionals who all share the same goal. 

Getting your company’s name out there and meeting one-on-one with prospective clients is one of the most effective forms of advertising. You can introduce your business to those in attendance with an interactive demonstration highlighting your goods or services. The sole purpose of these demonstrations is to connect with potential clients and generate leads. 

Trade Shows Enhance Traditional Advertising Methods

All of the standard and modern forms of advertising remain a staple when you’re gearing up for an industry trade show. The following marketing techniques play a crucial role in letting your audience know that you’ll be at an upcoming event:

  • Pay-per-click ads
  • Social media
  • Print media
  • Television and radio ads

Think of these forms of marketing as the opening act. You’ll need to use them to get the word out about your appearance at a future trade show. This helps establish your brand and also lets your target audience know how they can benefit from attending the event. 

Once the trade show happens, it will serve as an extended form of advertising. The main difference is that meeting with attendees makes for a more interactive and personalized approach. 

Prepare for Your Upcoming Trade Show with Professional Marketing Experts

Not only are trade shows considered advertising, but they also require the proper marketing strategy before they even take place. The experts at Oser Communications Group can take the lead when it comes to your advertising strategy so you can have a successful show. We’ll teach you how to qualify leads, create eye-catching trade show invitations, and much more. 

Give Oser Communications Group a call at (520) 721-1300 to learn more about our services and how we’ll help you prepare for an upcoming trade show. 

trade show strategy

How to Create a Lasting Impact With Your Trade Show Strategy

A successful trade show experience allows you to connect with an audience of both industry professionals and prospective clients. You’ll be able to introduce your product or service to a wide range of people, but you need the right trade show strategy for the most effective results. Discover tips for enhancing your upcoming presentation in this guide from Oser Communications Group, a leading trade show marketing agency. 

Do Sufficient Pre-Show Research

What kind of shows are worth advertising at? You need to research shows that make sense for you to be there; otherwise, you’ll be wasting your time and money. Consider booking yourself a booth at an event that caters to your industry or the target audience you’re hoping to reach. 

Focus on Advertising

You’ll need to put your business’s name out there long before the event takes place. Prioritize marketing and advertising in the weeks and months before the show so you can generate interest in the event and prompt attendees to see you. Experts recommend the following types of advertising in your trade show strategy:

  • Social media 
  • Email
  • News updates on your website
  • Print media, specifically any industry-specific publications

Create Immersive Booth Designs

If you’re looking to get more out of your trade show experience, pay special attention to your space setup and design. Setting up a table with a generic banner and handing out business cards won’t do much to catch the eyes of event attendees. Instead, make the area immersive so it draws people to your area. 

You can attract visitors by setting up lounge spaces and performing one-on-one demonstrations to connect with every guest. If technology allows, incorporate videos into your booth design. This not only captures an attendee’s attention but provides a unique way to get your message out. 

Practice Your Presentation

The bulk of a trade show’s success lies in how well you interact with stakeholders and potential clients. Don’t go into it with little to no preparation. Always practice your demonstration leading up to the event so it goes off seamlessly. 

This ensures that you stand out to attendees and can answer any questions they have regarding your brand, products, or services. 

Follow Up with Attendees

Handing out business cards at a trade show doesn’t always guarantee that a guest will be in contact with you. Make an effort to receive their contact information so you can send a follow-up message. You can plan a time to speak with them on the phone if they want to learn more or send a personalized email message sharing more about your presentation. 

Prepare for Your Upcoming Trade Show with Oser Communications Group

If you’re hoping to get impressive trade show results, you need a robust strategy ranging from the early days of planning up until the end of the show. Let the experts at Oser Communications Group improve your trade show strategy with proven industry experience. Call (520) 721-1300 to speak with a specialist about your upcoming trade show. 

how to use promotional products effectively

How to Use Promotional Products Effectively in a Trade Show

If you want your business’s trade show to be a success, you have to include promotional items as part of your marketing strategy. Promotional items and giveaways will boost your brand visibility, improve your brand reputation, and entice more event attendees to check out your booth. Knowing how to use promotional products effectively in an environment where giveaways are expected is key. 

Our team at Oser Communication Group can help make your trade show goals a reality. Here, we discuss some of the best ways to incorporate promotional items with your trade show exhibition. Call us at (520) 721-1300 if you need more help with promotional trade show marketing. 

Branded Giveaways for Booth Visitors

Though you can give just anything away at a trade show, you should have some branded materials for your business available to give to booth visitors. Branded giveaways are especially useful if you want to improve your brand awareness. 

People tend to retain promo items for up to two years and recall where they came from. The more people who get your items, the more attention you’ll get from a broader audience. 

When choosing items for promotional giveaways, make sure the goods are practical, of good quality, and prominently feature your brand. You want people to use the items, not leave them forgotten in a drawer. Examples include:

  • Drawstring bags
  • Pens or pencils
  • Power banks
  • USB drives
  • Keychains

Goody Bags with Informational Packets

Knowing how to use promotional products effectively for your trade show booth means thinking out of the box. Goody bags are a more robust take on the branded giveaway idea. They can leave a lasting impression on trade show attendees.

Simply create a comprehensive gift package with the following:

  • An information packet about your business featuring your name, contact information, and details about your products or services
  • A branded swag bad with your logo
  • A collection of useful promotional items to include in the branded bag

Customized Apparel as Promotional Merchandise

Customized apparel as a trade show marketing strategy can work in two ways. First, you and your team can wear matching hats, t-shirts, or lanyards with your company’s branding to make a cohesive statement about your business. Second, you can make wearable items like shirts, rubber bracelets, and hoodies to give away to booth visitors. 

In either case, people become walking advertisements for your brand.

Social Media Contests with Giveaways

You can blend social media and a trade show exhibition to create more brand visibility. Consider running a giveaway contest on your social media platforms where participants have to photograph themselves holding or using your promotional products. The winner can win a bigger prize. 

Take Charge of Your Trade Show Booth with Help From Oser Communication Group

We at Oser Communication Group know how to use promotional products effectively for businesses in any industry. As one of the best trade show advertising experts based in Tucson, Arizona, our team can help you create more brand awareness and explore unique trade show booth ideas. We’re ready to take your event marketing to the next level—call (520) 721-1300 today for a consultation with us. 

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