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what to wear to a trade show

What To Wear to a Trade Show

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

A trade show is a chance to represent your brand in person among industry peers, competitors, and customers. Effective trade show marketing includes your personal appearance. You want to look professional and polished, giving others the impression that you’re an expert in your field.

If you’re wondering what to wear to a trade show, these tips will help you create a look that gets noticed for all the right reasons.

Trade Show Attire That Makes the Right Statement

Some industries might appreciate a more formal or casual look. But a dress code for trade shows almost always means business casual. However, business casual for trade shows differs from weekend casual.

Men and women who wonder what to wear to a trade show should keep this in mind above everything else: Don’t wear anything to the show that you wouldn’t wear to a meeting. You’re there to forge strong business connections, so trade show fashion should reflect your industry expertise.

Trade Shows Outfit Ideas for Men

Business smart works best. Don’t get too dressy. Avoid wearing excessive jewelry such as rings on every finger, chains, or over-the-top piercings. Those will instantly cheapen your overall look.

Choose a well-cut, casual suit in one of the following colors:

  • Beige
  • Black
  • Brown
  • Cream
  • Gray

Keep the suit one color. Avoid flamboyant designs like paisley or stripes that will attract attention for the wrong reasons. You should also wear:

  • Pressed trousers
  • A crisp, open-collared shirt
  • Neutral-colored, polished shoes
  • A leather belt if needed
  • A stylish watch

These selections create a sleek, empowered look.

Trade Show Outfit Ideas for Women

One of the first things that women should mark off their list is high heels that hurt their feet and distract from their appearance. Next, strike gaudy jewelry from your list. Trade shows are also not the place for:

  • Bows
  • Rhinestones
  • Extravagant fur pieces
  • Low-cut blouses
  • Mini skirts
  • Too-tight clothing of any kind

A comfortable, well-cut pair of slacks paired with a blouse and a blazer in a streamlined cut is a winning look. Wear a medium heel that lets you stand and walk for long hours. Stick to solid neutral colors or navy blue without garish designs.

Make sure everything looks fresh and pressed.

General Trade Show Rules for Men and Women

The following rules apply to anyone attending a trade show:

  • Don’t wear excessive lotions, perfume, or cologne. If it has a strong smell, don’t wear it.
  • Don’t wear excessive make-up. Harsh trade show lighting and mingling can make you sweat, causing the make-up to run.
  • Get a manicure to look polished and clean.

Knowing what you plan to wear before the morning of the show and having everything prepared makes getting ready that much easier.

Learn To Build Customer Relationships With Effective Trade Show Marketing

If you want to learn how to build customer relationships, Oser Communications Group has been doing that for over six decades. Our trade show knowledge includes everything from what to wear to a trade show to how to market your brand at one. Contact us at (520) 721-1300 to learn more.

how to build customer relationship

How To Build Customer Relationships Through Trade Show Events

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

Renting a booth at trade show events is a great way to market your services and expand your network. While the event itself is typically fast-paced, there are strategic ways you can make solid connections with attendees. This article will show you how to build customer relationships at your upcoming event through tradeshow marketing.

Provide Exceptional Customer Service

Attendees have a lot of ground to cover, so their time with you is limited. When learning how to build customer relationships, it’s important to keep that in mind. As sales professionals, you want to make their experience great. Keeping your customers pleased starts by asking about their day, identifying their needs, and sharing how your products and services can help. Smiling and sharing your personal experiences also builds trust.

Create a Solid Follow-Up Plan

Attendees go home with tons of business cards, flyers, and samples. One way to stand out from the sea of vendors is to follow up with them after the event. While they’re at your table, you can request them to:

  • Leave their email or phone number:  Asking for their contact information allows you to send special announcements and promotions.
  • Follow you on social media: Social media is the primary way some keep in touch. Asking attendees to follow you is a great way to promote your business and grow your following.

Stand Out From the Competition

Your goal is to stand out. While your products and services may be top-notch, show attendees won’t know that if they aren’t drawn to your table. Utilizing proven marketing tools, color theory, and eye-catching displays can catch the attention of potential customers.

Utilize Social Media

Learning how to build customer relationships starts online. Whether you’re social media savvy or new to posting, you can utilize this tool to your benefit. Post a photo of the event’s flyer or share a video of your team getting ready. At the event, take photos, interact with attendees, and document every step.

Give Your Customers the Five-Star Treatment

There’s a reason the phrase “try before you buy” is so popular. It works! When customers have the opportunity to “test drive” your products or services, they’re more likely to come back. A few ways you can give attendees a sneak peek of the wonderful things you have to offer is by:

  • Offering free samples
  • Providing exclusive discounts for attendees
  • Showing attendees how the product works

Ask for Feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask attendees about their experience. Gathering reviews allows you to determine what works and what doesn’t. The intel acquired allows you to make edits that work. You’ll also have greater insight into your customers’ needs.

Your Reliable Source for Trade Show Tips

Learning how to build customer relationships is simple when you know how to advertise your products and services and connect with attendees. We can help you maximize your earning potential with our informative articles covering the customer lifecycle, trade show attire, generating leads at trade shows, and other marketing tips. To learn more about Oser Communications Group and what we have to offer, call 520-721-1300 now.

how to gain brand awareness

How To Gain Brand Awareness Through Trade Show Marketing

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

If you’re worried about how to gain brand awareness through trade show marketing, develop a marketing plan specific to your brand’s booth. Any brand awareness generated by a trade show only happens when people know that you’ve got a booth at the trade show and, out of all the other booths, it’s the one they should visit! Here’s how.

Foolproof Guidelines for Trade Show Marketing and Brand Success

These trade show marketing guidelines are the latest strategies on how to gain brand awareness through trade show marketing.

Develop Digital Marketing That Engages Instead of Promotes

Create a brand management calendar that schedules social media and industry forum posts, along with relevant tradeshow hashtags that promote your appearance. Your posts should include reminders about the date and time of the trade show, directions to your booth, and any demos or incentives you plan to provide.

However, make the posts interesting instead of salesy to excite existing customers, prospects, and even industry colleagues about visiting your booth.

Think Beyond Social Media

Digital marketing means more than interacting with an audience on social media. Reach out to existing customers with email invites and make sure anyone who visits your social media page and website can find info on the trade show as well as sign up for an invite or email reminders. You can even create a website for the trade show or build a page about it on your existing website.

Develop a Booth Design That People Can’t Resist

Booths that combine sales support and creative marketing stand out at a trade show and play a massive role in how to gain brand awareness through trade show marketing. Remember, marketing happens during the show, not just before it. Here are some booth design tips:

  • Place your brand name and logo at the top of the booth so people can see it from anywhere in the venue.
  • Provide an eye level description of your brand’s purpose along with details about your products or services.
  • Make sure everything from the colors to the fonts on your business cards match your brand image, because effective sales and marketing derive from images more than words.

This is one of the best ways to increase brand awareness!

Never Stop Telling the World Where You Are and What You’re Doing

Because you always need to be marketing, let the rest of the world know what’s going on at your booth in real time via social media posts that include photos. This will build brand awareness because it shows you’re a brand that remains present with its audience.

Do some experiential marketing and ask for follower input. These photos and posts will also help promote future trade shows and your brand in general.

Contact the Leaders in Trade Show Advertising

Oser Communications Group defines the standards of trade show success. If you want to know how to gain brand awareness through trade show marketing, our trade show dailies and other publications can help. Contact Oser Communication Group at 520-721-1300 for more information.