Author: Oser Communications Group

Nine Things To Bring to Your Tradeshow Booth

Written by Oser Communications Group on July 28, 2025. Posted in Trade Show.

Whether you’re a seasoned exhibitor or attending your first trade show, forgetting key supplies can seriously impact your performance.

Oser Communications Group leads the trade show publicity and periodicals industry, and we’d like to share this essential trade show packing list for a successful and low-stress event.

1. Make a Strong First Impression With a Branded Backdrop

Brand promotion is the reason you’re going in the first place, so a high-quality backdrop or banner should be at the top of your list of trade show booth essentials. Use your visual handshake to pull attendees toward your booth, and make sure it’s branded, wrinkle-free, and portable.

2. Don’t Forget a Branded Tablecloth or Runner

Table coverings are the next visual step in brand presentation. Choose good-looking covers to conceal unsightly storage and instantly elevate your booth’s appearance. A custom tablecloth with your logo is literally a stop sign for passing traffic.

3. Use Clear, Strategic Signage To Communicate Value

Well-designed signs highlight your services, promotions, and messaging. Check with the show’s promoter to find out what sort of signage you can display, and follow through. Consider retractable banners, tabletop signs, or even digital displays.

4. Equip Yourself With Business Cards and Handouts

This is a classic part of every pre-trade show checklist for a reason. Bring plenty of professionally printed cards and a few hundred brochures or flyers. These are the top conference display items that visitors actually take home.

5. Capture Leads With Digital or Paper Forms

Don’t miss out on future opportunities. Whether it’s an iPad with a CRM app or printed forms and clipboards, make sure your booth is ready to seamlessly collect names, emails, and interest levels.

6. Offer Giveaways That Keep You Top-of-Mind

Branded swag is a trade show staple. Stickers, tote bags, pens, or USB drives are low-cost and high-impact. Work to find gifts that are functional and give attendees something to remember you by.

7. Bring Power Strips, Extension Cords, and Backup Chargers

Electricity can be unpredictable at events, and every venue will have its own idiosyncrasies. Bring a couple of 10-foot extension cords, a surge-protecting power strip, and battery packs for your devices. The best booths don’t go dark!

8. Prioritize Personal Comfort and Stamina

A trade show is a marathon, not a sprint. Pack snacks, water, and first aid items, and wear comfortable (yet professional) shoes. When you’re energized, you engage better.

9. Keep a Toolkit and Cleaning Supplies on Hand

Pack a small kit with everyday event booth supplies, including scissors, zip ties, and some simple tools. It will come in handy during setup, and having cleaning supplies at the ready will keep your booth looking sharp.

Refine Your Exhibition Stand Packing List for Trade Show Success

Trade shows are fast-paced environments. Double-check your trade show packing list for peace of mind and a consistently professional display.

Let the experts at Oser Communications Group help you make your next trade show your best yet. From planning what to pack for a trade show to high-impact trade show promotion, we’re here to support your success. Call us at (520) 721-1300 to get started today.

How To Choose a Trade Show Your Audience Actually Attends

Written by Oser Communications Group on July 28, 2025. Posted in Trade Show.

You’ve invested in your booth design, printed your materials, and planned your pitch, but none of it will matter if you’ve picked the wrong event.

Oser Communications Group is America’s leading trade show advertising expert. We’d like to share some useful tips on how to choose a trade show that your actual audience will be attending.

Start With Clear Goals Before Choosing the Right Trade Show

The first thing to do in every case is to define what a complete success would look like for you. Be specific when defining your optimal outcome. Does it mean better brand awareness, a new product launch, or a load of new outstanding leads?

Let the purpose you have in mind shape your approach. For example, if your goal is to network with industry decision-makers, you’ll want to look for trade shows known for attracting C-level attendees.

Get Strategic About Identifying Your Target Audience for Exhibitions

Be very specific about who you’re trying to reach. Is this a B2B or B2C mission? What are the job titles, industries, company sizes, and geographic locations of your ideal attendees?

Look at your current customer base and build personas from real data. Once you’ve figured out who your prototype attendee is, you’ll be better equipped to evaluate which shows truly cater to that precise demographic.

Use Data-Driven Trade Show Selection Criteria To Narrow Down Events

Reliable trade shows offer detailed demographic breakdowns, past attendee stats, and even engagement metrics. Ask for the data and look for alignment with your ideal attendee. Confirm that an event’s theme and content match your offerings.

Conduct Thorough Trade Show Audience Analysis

The size of the crowd is not nearly as important as who’s there. Review previous exhibitor lists to see whether your competitors attend regularly. If they’re showing up year after year, chances are the event delivers results. Likewise, if you don’t recognize any attendees that are relevant to your business, that’s a sign to move on.

Consider Value-Adds That Encourage Effective Exhibition Participation

A strong show will offer more than booth space. Look for events that feature speaking opportunities, media coverage, or matchmaking tools to help you book meetings in advance. Educational tracks can also draw serious buyers who are there to learn, not just browse.

Don’t Let Logistics Undermine Your Efforts

Even the most targeted show may fall short if it doesn’t work with your schedule and budget. Analyze the total costs and weigh them against expected outcomes. Regional shows can be a low-risk way to test your messaging before committing to a national expo. If you have a choice, avoid events that compete with your peak sales season or conflict with other key marketing opportunities.

Choose Your Next Event With Confidence

The key to knowing how to choose a trade show is simple. Go where your audience already is. With a little planning and the right support, you can turn your next exhibit into a strategic win. While you’re here, check out our related post on trade show prep checklists.

Call Oser Communications Group at (520) 721-1300 to discuss our comprehensive trade show marketing services.

The Difference Between a Trade Show and a Conference

Written by Oser Communications Group on June 28, 2025. Posted in Trade Show.

As a leader in modern trade journals, Oser Communications Group knows that there are a few crucial event types in business marketing. Entrepreneurs often weigh attending a trade show vs. a conference without fully understanding their distinctions. Take a closer look at conference and trade show definitions, as well as how to decide which one to participate in.

Is There a Difference Between a Trade Show and a Conference?

At first glance, trade show vs. conference comparisons seem minimal. After all, each of these events sees industry professionals gather together in an effort to drive their business forward. However, they differ in terms of formality and agenda.

A trade show features individual business booths where representatives can highlight products or services. Attending a trade show grants them the opportunity to:

Increase brand awareness
Build relationships with prospective clients
Share info about new offerings

A conference, on the other hand, is a bit more formal and education based. Conferences aim to educate attendees about emerging trends or technology. They often feature a panel of speakers as the primary event, plus group workshops and networking sessions.

These multi-day events don’t center around brand promotion. However, you can connect with attendees and discuss your business with them.

Understanding Expos and Conventions

When it comes to defining a trade show vs. a conference, both are B2B events for industry professionals. You can network with other businesses and meet prospective customers at an expo or convention.

Expos center around several industries and are open to the public. They allow you to introduce your brand to customers and generate meaningful leads. A convention is less about promotion and more about community building, such as fan conventions.

Tips for Choosing Between a Conference, Expo, or Trade Show

Deciding to attend a trade show vs. conference hinges on several important factors. Check out some key components that may influence your decision below.

Consider New Innovations Impacting Your Industry

Are there cutting-edge advancements in your industry that you’re unfamiliar with? A conference could be a great way to learn about them and build your network. You can:

Listen to lectures
Participate in discussions
Network with collaborators
Incorporate new information into your operations

Plan Around Product Roll Outs

Say you’re implementing a new product that can benefit others within your industry. Why not highlight it at an upcoming trade show? Confirm your participation and establish an eye-catching booth.

You can inform others about your product through:

Interactive demonstrations
Casual networking
Contests or giveaways

Spread the word through trade publications for greater impact.

Analyze Customer Conversion Metrics

Perhaps your traditional marketing methods aren’t yielding the results you desire. Meet potential customers and increase brand awareness by signing up as a vendor at a local expo.

Promote Your Business Properly

Now that you understand what a trade show vs. conference showcases, you can take advantage of these events. Oser Communications Group helps entrepreneurs like you prepare for trade shows for optimal success.

Do you want to learn more? Call (520) 721-1300 to get started.