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trade show sustainability

How Trade Show Sustainability Can Boost Your Brand Image

Written by Oser Communications Group on . Posted in Trade Show.

As much as advertising can help with brand awareness, one of the best ways to grow your business is through trade show participation. Make sure you focus on sustainability to reap the most benefits. Learn how to improve your brand’s perception with green trade show strategies.

Why Sustainability Matters in Trade Shows

Did you know that a growing majority of consumers favor brands with eco-friendly operations? With environmental concerns on the rise, more and more people want to do their part. Supporting a green business is one of the easiest ways for consumers to protect the environment.

However, embracing sustainable measures isn’t just about appealing to consumers. It marks a conscious decision to uphold your environmental responsibility. Your business can cultivate a loyal customer base and meet your corporate social responsibility goals by going green in everything you do, including trade show appearances.

Green Trade Show Strategies That Can Benefit Your Brand

Improving trade show sustainability can seem daunting at first. In reality, there are many eco-friendly measures you can take. Experts recommend you:

  • Create a sustainable exhibit design: Consider a reusable, modular design to reduce waste. Use eco-friendly materials around the booth that you can recycle after an event.
  • Prioritize digital solutions: Provide attendees with crucial information through digital content instead of paper brochures. Utilize QR codes so people can easily visit a website containing important information about your business.
  • Revamp your giveaways: If you’re giving away free swag at an event, try to make it as sustainable as possible.
  • Rent technology: Rather than buying brand-new items, it’s wise to reuse whatever you can. LED screens or projectors are just some of the equipment that you could rent for an upcoming trade show.
  • Assess your carbon footprint: Calculate the impact that your trade show presence has on the environment. Try to offset your carbon footprint to prevent further harm.

Don’t Forget To Promote Your Eco-Friendly Measures

You can certainly take pride in your business when you adopt the sustainable trade show strategies mentioned above. But will your clients recognize all of the steps you’ve taken? Don’t be afraid to point out all of the ways that you’re helping the environment at an event.

Perhaps a digital screen could display the many ways your operations have become more sustainable over the years. If you’re handing out giveaways made from recycled materials, make sure you print that fact for attendees.

Being up front about your environmental responsibility can significantly help your brand. Make it well known that you value sustainability at an upcoming event.

Make Your Next Trade Show a Success With Oser Communications Group

Oser Communications Group is your go-to source for all things trade shows. Our experts understand the value of trade show sustainability and marketing brands in forward-thinking ways. Explore our blog for more tips, including how to choose booth color themes and ways to improve engagement.

To advertise your brand in one of our publications, contact Oser Communications Group online or call (520) 721-1300 today.

trade show packing list

Nine Things To Bring to Your Tradeshow Booth

Written by Oser Communications Group on . 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

How To Choose a Trade Show Your Audience Actually Attends

Written by Oser Communications Group on . 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.