Preparing Your Team For Trade Shows
There’s a lot of preparation that goes into having a successful trade show. You’ll have to determine the color scheme and design for your trade show booth and exhibit pieces. After you choose the type of exhibit you want, you’ll need to select a designer to bring your vision to life. You may also need trade show rentals to make your exhibit come together. Trade shows also require travel accommodations in many cases. This means that part of your preparation will go into making sure that your team members can get to the show and lodge comfortably.
In addition to these factors, you’ll also need to prepare your employees for the trade show. The event is very important in terms of boosting the reputation of your business. This means that team members should be knowledgeable about your services and products. It also means that proven and effective customer service tactics should be implemented at the trade show. Here are some preparation tips that will yield great results at your next trade show.
Conduct Training
Your team should be extensively trained before the trade show. Everyone should know how to operate the exhibits and displays.
Make sure that all your employees know the features of the products you offer. Explain the benefits of these products to your employees so they can confidently share this information with customers.
Your employees should also know how to interact with attendees. If a potential customer has a question or even a complaint, the right response can make all the difference. Your team should know how to be professional and engaging and should be intent on providing solutions. Start the training as far in advance as possible. This will give your employees time to get comfortable with the scenarios and challenges they may face at the trade show. When everyone has an idea of what to expect, it will make talking to attendees at the show much easier.
Ask For Input
When you inform your team that there will be trade show training, ask them for their input. Inquire about the issues that you think your employees feel are important when it comes to marketing and trade shows. This will give you an idea of how your team members learn, which will make the training more effective. Give your employees information about the trade show as well, so they can share their concerns and questions with you.
Get Some Practice
Role-playing is another way to prepare for the trade show. Set up possible scenarios that prompt your team members to answer challenging questions or handle last-minute situations that may happen at the display stand. This is especially important if you’re going to a trade show for the first time. Training should help everyone to feel more comfortable with the trade show process and make it easier to talk to customers. Even if you have great products and provide the best services, attendees may be turned off if your team members seem nervous or unsure. When you exhibit confidence and are knowledgeable about what you have to offer, this boosts the reputation of your company significantly.
Get Feedback
Please don’t be afraid to ask your team members what they think about the training. You may find that some methods are more effective than others. Observe the teaching tool(s) that work best for your team. Use these methods most often to ensure that your employees are retaining the information and can remember it when it’s time for the trade show. When your team sees that you care about their opinions and are willing to make adjustments that are good for the business and your employees, it boosts morale. Happy employees will represent your company well at the trade show. This could result in interested attendees who may turn into long-term customers.