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are trade shows dying

Are Trade Shows Dying or Evolving?

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

As a business owner, you may wonder about the best path to follow to draw attention to your products or brand. Not long ago, marketing at trade shows delivered impressive results, but is that still the case? Are trade shows dying or evolving?

Below, learn how trade shows are changing and whether businesses should still use them, as shared by Oser Communications Group’s industry professionals.

Why Trade Show Attendance Is Lower

It’s true that overall trade show attendance around the world has been slow to recover since the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to digital platforms has touched all aspects of business and, while this accelerated during the pandemic, it continues to affect in-person trade show attendance. Businesses looking to save some money may prefer to have direct sales calls compared to attending trade shows, and some trade shows have even moved onto virtual platforms.

Businesses were able to receive many of the same benefits from these virtual networking events that they previously received from attending in person, but are trade shows dying? Not exactly.

How Trade Shows Are Evolving

In-person trade shows are not dying – they’re in an evolutionary phase. Businesses still regularly perform a trade event search because they’re still interested in in-person connections and attendance. Fortunately, you don’t have to choose one or the other.

Your business could take advantage of the digital transformation and evolution of trade exhibitions as follows:

Hybrid Trade Show Designs

Some trade shows, industry fairs, and business conventions sport a hybrid design – a healthy mixture of in-person events and virtual participation. Those who appreciate the face-to-face interactions of an in-person trade show booth can take advantage of this benefit. Others can visit the booth virtually, cutting out the hassle and expense of traveling.

Maintaining Safety Protocols

Mask usage has fallen away at most trade shows now. However, everyone still appreciates the guarantee of sanitary conditions before they agree to attend. Today’s trade shows oblige by implementing certain protocols to improve visitor safety, including:

  • Enhanced air circulation systems and air filtration
  • Fewer touch points for attendees
  • Limitations on the total number of attendees
  • Improved sanitation practices
  • Technology that eliminates viruses

The Evolving Trade Show Booth

In addition to your marketing, your physical trade show booth should appeal to in-person attendees. However, virtual attendees are now also in focus when you’re thinking about your design elements, such as product demonstrations and video boards. You need robust follow-up strategies that work with either type of visitor to gain the most benefit from every interaction you have at the trade show – in-person and virtual.

Learn More About Modern Trade Shows and How They Can Benefit You

Oser Communications Group is on the pulse of modern trade shows that strike a balance between trade show booth ideas, marketing setups, lead generation ideas, and successful marketing experiences. Are trade shows dying? Not when you have a trusted team to help you leverage the latest market trends and put your brand’s best foot forward.

For more information, call Oser Communications Group at (520) 721-1300 today!

are trade shows worth it

Are Trade Shows Worth It for Businesses?

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

As a business owner or marketing professional, you may wonder about the best way to reach customers. Granted, a marketing trade show can give you significant advantages in connecting with potential clients, but are trade shows worth it overall?

Learn more about how using trade shows might enhance your business or brand’s visibility in this post.

The Primary Benefits of Attending Trade Shows for Businesses Make Them a Good Investment

Figuring out whether trade shows are worth it for businesses to attend isn’t all about numbers. Let’s look at the benefits trade shows can provide.

Introducing Your Brand

Do you have a new product or idea? Introducing it at a trade show can provide a strong ROI (return on investment) since you’ll be showing off the product to people who already have an interest in what you’re doing. Trade show visitors are more open to learning about you.

Taking Advantage of Networking Opportunities

You may find other businesses at the trade show that provide beneficial services or products for your own venture. Networking with like-minded entrepreneurs could spark ideas or open new opportunities in related market niches.

Performing Market Research

When you attend an industry-specific trade show, you’ll always learn what others are doing better than you. It’s invaluable market research to inform your long-term business strategy and an updated competitor analysis. You may even learn that a business you thought was a major competitor is moving in a new direction.

How You Can Enhance Your Trade Show Experience

Are trade shows worth it? One primary reason they are worth it for your business is brand exposure. When more people know who you are and what you offer, more people can find you and purchase from you. To make your trade show experience worth it, though, you need to draw visitors to the booth and collect information through things like:

  • Setup interactive elements: Video boards and live demonstrations can draw attention to your trade show booth, convincing visitors they want to see what you’re doing.
  • Provide free stuff: If you have giveaways for visitors who come to your trade show booth, you’ll increase your chances of connecting with potential customers.
  • Gather contact information: If more people visit your booth, you can ask them for contact information to create lead generation. You can then follow up after the trade show to offer your services or answer additional questions.
  • Design well: Your trade show booth’s design encourages people to visit or skip your stand. Ideally, you want something that stands out by highlighting your brand’s best features.

Oser Communications Group Enhances Business’s Trade Show Results

Are trade shows worth it? Are you wondering about that because you aren’t receiving the results you want to see and want to boost your trade show presence? Oser Communications Group can help you maximize the impact of your trade show booth with a winning trade show strategy you’ll love.

To learn more about the ways we can help you maximize your trade show booth design, call Oser Communications Group today at (520) 721-1300!

trade show booth sizes

What Booth Size Do You Need for a Trade Show?

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

Maybe you’re dreaming of having the biggest, fanciest booth at your next trade show — but is that really the best choice for your business? Perhaps you’d be better off with a smaller, cozier exhibit. As the saying goes, it’s not the size that matters, but what you do with it.

In this guide, Oser Communications Group, an expert at marketing trade shows, discusses trade show booth sizes and how to choose the right exhibition footprint for your brand.

Common Trade Show Booth Dimensions

There are quite a few booth dimensions to choose from at trade shows, from small displays tucked away in corners to large island booths that sit center-stage. Let’s go over some of the most common dimensions you can pick from.

  • 10×10: This is the standard booth size, and the smallest. This size is ideal for small businesses that are just getting their start.
  • 10×20: These booths offer twice the size of a 10×10 booth. A good pick if you need a bit of extra wiggle room for products and guests.
  • 20×20: These booths provide 400 square feet of space and are an excellent option for medium to large businesses. They usually get prime real estate on the trade show floor.
  • 20×30: Need a little more space for your items and displays? A 20×30 booth could be the perfect fit.
  • 20×40: A true whopper of a booth, fantastic for interactive demonstrations, meetings, and large product displays.

Exhibition Space Options

In addition to trade show booth sizes, you’ll also have to consider the style of booth you want. There are three types: inline, corner, peninsula, and island.

Inline booths have the smallest exhibit footprint and are the most common option. They’re called “inline” because they’re usually situated in a line next to other booths. They typically have a back wall and one front entrance.

Corner booths are great for driving foot traffic. They’re about the same size as inline booths but have two entrances instead of one.

Peninsula booth sizes typically start at 20×20. These booths are surrounded by aisles and open on three sides.

Island booths also start at 20×20. They’re open on all sides, allowing for heavy traffic flow in and out of the booth.

Read more about booth types and regulations here.

Which Display Area Should You Choose?

Here’s what to consider when choosing your booth size:

  • What’s your budget? Smaller booths, naturally, are more affordable than larger ones.
  • How many team members will the booth need to accommodate? You’ll need about 40 square feet for each team member.
  • How many products do you want to display? If it’s just a few, an inline or a corner booth might be a good fit. Stick with an island or a peninsula booth for lots of products or large, bulky items.

Need Help Choosing a Stand Size for Your Rental Space?

Both booth location and size matter when it comes to the success of your trade show. If you’d like to learn more about trade show booth sizes, contact Oser Communications Group at (520) 721-1300.