Are you planning to attend a trade show? If so, you need to get your trade show logistics in order. Having the right logistics organization provides the key to running a smooth show and successful networking. To that end, we put together this quick guide on trade show logistics and planning. 

Contact Oser Communications Group today to discuss trade show advertising solutions!

What Are Trade Show Logistics?

The term ‘logistics’ is fairly broad but basically encompasses strategic planning and execution of all interrelated trade show activities, including booth setup, arrival shipments, product displays, utilities, display technology, etc. In other words, your trade show logistics reflect how well you organize and prepare for the show, even if you have limited resources.

Good logistics planning involves making sure all the pieces of your trade show effort arrive where they need to be and when they need to be there. Questions that cover relevant logistical concerns include:

• How are you transporting your displays?
• What kind of booth do you have planned?
• Who will staff which booths and when?
• What is the loading/unloading schedule at the venue?
• How much space do you have to set up your display?
• What time do you need to move equipment to the showroom floor?
• What is the utility situation like?

Tips for Successful Logistics

So, how can you improve your trade show logistics? Below, we list a few of our expert tips. 

Label Everything

Label everything, even if you think it’s unnecessary or over the top. You might think it’s overkill, but you will greatly appreciate those additional labels when you find yourself looking for a specific item during the rush and buzz of the show. Bright, distinctive labels also help differentiate your equipment from other attendees. 

Contact the Event Director

Make sure you contact the event director well in advance to discuss equipment rentals and the loading/unloading process. The director should be able to tell you where to unpack your equipment and where to set up your booth. 

Use Official Contractor

Trade shows often have an official venue contractor to help with trade show shipping and equipment management. The simplest option means using the event partner as they are likely familiar with the specific space and how to manage equipment in it. If you use the official contractor, make sure you designate team members to pick up any deliveries once they reach the show site. 

Practice Assembly and Breakdown

Depending on the specific trade show’s schedule, you might not have much time to unload your equipment and set up booths even after arriving on time. Take time to practice setting up and breaking down even booths and displays with your team members so you know exactly what to do when the official day comes.

Trade Show Advertising for Business

Read our blog to learn more about how to prepare for a trade show. If you would like to discuss trade show logistics for your next networking event, contact Oser Communications Group online or call us today at (520) 721-1300!

Trade shows provide an excellent opportunity for business owners to meet others in the industry and build professional connections. If this is your first time, you might wonder how to network at a trade show. 

With that in mind, the team at Oser Communications Groups has compiled these tips on networking at trade shows and building professional relationships. 

Do you need trade show advertising? If so, contact us today!

Why Networking at Trade Shows Matters

In a sense, all business stems from networking. Networking events allow you to grow your contacts list, share knowledge, build your own brand image, and analyze your competition and market. As such, the primary goal of a trade show isn’t just marketing your products or services but also marketing your business to other businesses. 

Strategies for Networking

Networking can seem intimidating, especially if you attend a trade show for the first time. The good thing is that successful networking is a skill, and, like any skill, you can practice to get better. Let’s review some of our tips on how to network at a trade show. 

Practice Your Business Pitch 

Practice makes perfect, and that includes your business pitch. Many people will likely ask about your business, so make sure you have a pitch prepared and ready to go. You’ll need multiple versions of sales pitches that should include your business message and what makes you unique. Practice your speech beforehand with your team members so you all have a coherent and unified message and prepare some business cards to distribute. 

Think About Who To Speak To

Don’t just show up at a trade show and see where the day takes you. You should have an idea of attendees you want to meet and start a conversation with. You likely won’t be able to meet with all the show attendees, so make a priority list of who you want to speak to the most and focus on them. If you have met previously, you can contact them beforehand and ask to meet up at the show. 

Be Early

“Don’t be late” is obvious advice, but you should be better than “not late”—you should be early. Getting to the show early not only helps you set up your booth smoothly, but you can also start meeting with other attendants before the show kicks off and gets extremely busy. Moreover, arriving early signals to others that you are a professional to take seriously. 

Create a Schedule

You don’t have to have everything mapped out to the minute, but you should have a general schedule for the day. Make sure you mark out time to staff the booth and give all team members time to connect and network.

Your Source for Trade Show Advertising

Oser Communications Group is your go-to solution for pre-trade show marketing tips and advertisement materials. If you need more info on how to network at a trade show, contact us online or call today at (520) 721-1300!

Are you preparing for your first trade show? If so, you are likely familiar with trade show etiquette. While most etiquette rules apply for all types of shows, some vary depending on your company’s industry. Oser Communications Group, a trade show advertising provider, offers five helpful pointers below. 

#1. First Impressions Matter

Most professionals know that their first impression can make or break any interaction. When attending a trade show, remember to do the following:

• Present a welcoming persona: Greet your visitors warmly! Craft an inviting atmosphere with a genuine greeting.
• Maintain a professional image: Different industries have varying dress codes. Dress according to your industry’s expectations. 
• Use gestures and body language carefully: Body language and gestures can be powerful communicators when used appropriately. 
• Keep the booth organized: Declutter your booth space to limit distractions. 

#2. Remove All Distractions

You should create a few rules for your staff to follow before setting up your booth:

• No food or drink in the booth: When booth staff eat and drink in open view, they detract from your professional, unified image. Find a designated area out of the visitors’ view for your staff members to enjoy refreshments. 
• No chairs or excess tables: When representatives sit down, they appear disengaged. Plus, too many tables and chairs can create tripping hazards. 
• No unnecessary devices: A final golden rule of trade show etiquette is to store all personal devices elsewhere. No staff members should get distracted by checking their phones or laptops for social media updates. 

#3. Stick to a Predetermined Schedule

Adhering to the schedule ensures your team stays on the same page throughout the event. Stagger breaks and shift changes to facilitate seamless transitions. Each staff member should arrive 15 minutes before their shift begins to prevent a hurried atmosphere. At least one person should man the table when another takes a break. 

#4. Use Empathy to Communicate

Catering to the trade show’s audience means demonstrating understanding to your target customer base. When you choose a trade show, you should learn as much about the visitors as possible. Use empathy to develop your scripts, begin each interaction, and ultimately collect contact information. 

Remember: the customer comes first throughout each step. Make them feel as though they have the option to leave if they don’t show or lose interest in your booth.

#5. Demonstrate Excellent Manners

Finally, handle both positive and negative interactions with grace. You may already handle all interactions in a polite and professional manner, but train your staff to go above and beyond your typical standards for trade shows. 

When you handle positive and negative interactions well, you’ll present a self-controlled, admirable image to other presenters and visitors. You might attract more visitors and potential network connections as a result. 

Choose Oser Communications Group for More Resources on Trade Show Etiquette

Proper trade show etiquette typically means improving and polishing your current industry standards for customer interactions. Our team at Oser Communications Group can help you prepare for a trade show with advertising services and other helpful resources. Contact us to craft a productive experience at your next trade show.