Kristin Hovde
Kristin Hovde is the Website Manager and Blogger for Smash Hit Displays, an online trade show display company that has many booths, accessories, and flooring available.
4 Tips to Connecting With Your Trade Show Audience
April 17, 2015
We’ve all been to trade shows where exhibitors try to outdo each with the biggest booth and the most state-of-the-art gadgets to draw in a crowd. As much attention as these display systems receive, sometimes it is smaller, more intimate and personal settings that attendees will remember over how many trinkets and brochures they collected.
Having fancy giveaways and booths do not necessarily mean you will stand out to potential buyers, it just shows you spent more money. Attendees love knowing that they are listened to, that their space is respected, and that they will not be pressured to buy anything. Creating an environment like this for your audience is actually very simple with these ideas.
Think Small
Large trade show displays that are bigger than some houses can actually be pretty overwhelming to attendees, especially when the trade show aisles are lined with exhibits just like this one. It’s easy for anxiety to kick in when surrounded by over-the-top booths like these, so opt for a smaller, more intimate booth instead. Give it a homey feel by adding a table or two with some chairs where you can comfortably sit down with your potential customers and have a conversation with them.
Give Them Their Space
Attendees are like deer; one sudden movement and they will disappear faster than you can say “Is there something I can help you with?” Watch for body language cues that show the attendee wants to be left alone, such as avoiding eye contact and turning their backs to you as they view your booth. Also, be cautious with attendees who have one foot in your booth and one outside of it because these people could be ready to bolt at any given moment. Give these people space and when they are ready to talk to you, they will.
Tell a Story
The most memorable booths are not those that have flashy, yet random graphics scattered throughout the exhibit, but those that have images, literature, and other marketing materials that tell a story. If your company is family-owned, you could let your audience know where your company started, how much it has grown, and what you and your employees have done for the community. Let potential customers know who you are through the use of story-telling, which will create a more personal relationship with your audience.
Include Giveaways That Matter
Pens, stress balls, and t-shirts have been handed out so often at trade shows, they have lost their appeal. Hand out items that would matter to your audience, such as signed books by an industry leader or another product that would mean something to your audience and can’t be thrown away. If your company creates cookware, consider handing out a set of branded spatulas, timers, or anything else they may find useful in the kitchen.
Exhibiting isn’t always about being the biggest and best, but is more about making meaningful relationships and connections with attendees that they will remember long after the trade show has ended.
Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here.
New Wave Experiences
Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024.
Enhanced Technology
Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space.
Refreshing New Design & Fine Art
The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights.
Sustainable Spectacles
Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles.
The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.
Add new comment