A trade show is a way to showcase your business in an open, excitable format. You can create bigger brand awareness, have connections with your target audience and meet people face to face in a networking environment. You can cut through the back and forth of emails and really get to know people interested in what you do. Should you be going to trade shows? Absolutely! 

You need to be the business that remembers to come prepared to a trade show. A badge holder lanyard is just the basics of what you should have with you so that you can be readily identified. You want people to know your name, to know your face and know what business you are representing. But you also  want them to remember you – which is why you need to be as prepared as possible. Let’s take a look at what you should bring with you to a trade show so that your business will stand out.

1. You need signage. How else are people going to know who you are and what you do? You need to have signs up displaying your business so that people can come and chat to you about what you’re doing and what you offer. If you want to be fancy, you can think about getting electronic and digital signage; this will definitely stay in the minds of the people who come by your booth! Don’t forget to get personalized pop up banners, too!
2. Presentation media is key. You need to make your booth an interactive experience. iPad sign up sheets and contact forms along with business cards, handouts and leaflets can all work well to get your business noticed. Whether it’s a new product or service is irrelevant, as long as you are showcasing what you can do.
3. Promo items and swag. People go to trade shows to get the swag as much as learn about which businesses could help them. Anyone who attends a trade show without branded merchandise is really missing out on an opportunity! You can pack swag bags and hand them out to everyone who comes by your booth. You’ll then be giving attendees the chance to bring branded items back to their daily life, meaning your name is going to be well remembered.
4. Business cards are a must. You need to think about handing out business cards to everyone so that they know how to get in touch with you. Business cards will live in the pockets and diaries of everyone you hand them to. You can then give people a reason to call you!
5. Refreshments. Not only do you want to hand out swag bags, you want to ensure that you hand out drinks and food. Everyone loves free snacks and you can pass out branded water bottles and use printed wrappers for free doughnuts, too. These will keep people walking around with your business name on display.

A trade show will be a success if you are well prepared in advance.