News

Tips To Capitalise On The Return Of In-Person Events

exhibition event

After two years of cancellations, delays and virtual alternatives, in-person events are back. With exhibitions, trade shows, festivals, fetes, fairs and community events back on the agenda, it’s important for businesses to be able to capitalise on the opportunity to interact with customers. In this guide, we’ll outline some simple steps companies and sellers can take to make every event a success. 

Choose the right events

There’s a vast array of events scheduled to take place every year. Some shows and festivals cater to a wide range of businesses and customers, but others have a narrower focus. When you’re looking for opportunities to run a stall or hire a stand at an exhibition, concentrate on events that are relevant to both your brand and your ideal customer. You want to ensure that your products and services resonate with people and make sure that you have a captive audience. Research events, look out for updates and information on industry sites and blogs and see where other companies and brands in your sector are displaying or selling. 

Set your brand apart

When you go to a trade show, or you set up a stall at a festival or an exhibition, it’s highly likely that you will be competing against other organisations or businesses that have the same target customers. If a prospective buyer is faced with a line of stalls or a hall packed with pop-up stores or stands, you need to make sure that your display catches their eye. Consider working with a professional exhibition stand builder to create a stall that stands out and think about ways you can entice people and build a crowd. Giveaways and samples are a great idea. You could also run demos, let people try your products or cause a stir with special guests. Human beings tend to gravitate towards others. If you have a long line of people, others will want to know what’s going on and join the queue so that they don’t miss out. 

Engage with customers

One of the most advantageous aspects of in-person events is being able to engage with prospective customers face-to-face. Video calls, social media, email conversations and instant messaging offer benefits, but nothing compares to building a rapport by talking to somebody in person. Make the most of opportunities to speak to people, learn more about them, tell them about your brand and its backstory and values and establish relationships. Use your display, store or stand to showcase your brand and give people more information, as well as to promote products and increase sales. Consumers today want to buy from brands that align with their values and prioritise customer service and communication. 

In-person events are back, and many business owners and teams are looking forward to attending trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, festivals and fairs. If you’re hoping to attract customers and boost sales, it’s beneficial to capitalise on the return of in-person events. Research opportunities, choose shows and exhibitions that are relevant to your business and target customers and set your brand apart. Engage with customers, get to know them and showcase your brand history, values and culture. 

PM Today Contributor
Related News
Related sized article featured image

Sir Joh Armitt told MPs a ‘private sector approach’ would have been to say ‘Sorry, I have not got any more money’.

Neil Lancefield
Related sized article featured image

Conglomerate YTL is developing homes and an arena on the outskirts of Bristol.

David Hughes