Drawing in Tradeshow Traffic with Promotional Products

Trade shows are some of the greatest places in the world to be. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of people all gathered for very similar purposes. Not only is there an air of excitement, this is also a great opportunity to get your name out and to make some sales of your own. However it takes a little bit more than a booth and a handshake to get people to take notice of you in these crowded and hectic events. It would be wonderful if there was some system that guaranteed everyone involved would get an equal amount of access to everyone intending. However this is not the way of things no matter how we may wish otherwise.

Gaining Attention
Because trade shows are a competitive environment it is a good idea to bring something with you that can help you get the attention and recognition you are after. While there are a thousand different ideas out there, one of the best of the tried and true is the use of the tradeshow gifts to draw in trade show traffic. Admitted everyone else has the same thought, but it is better to be just as well armed as everyone else than be unarmed so to speak.
During a trade show, the key to drawing in traffic is to create interest. There are many ways to accomplish this goal. However because most trade shows only last a few days at most, you need to be prepared to do this before you arrive. So spend some time analyzing what gets your attention.

Chances are that most people who are involved in the same or similar trade as you are more than likely to be interested in the same things you are interested in. Once you have an idea of what gets your attention, find a promotional product that can help you grab others peoples attention. For instance, if you own a computer store get something that everyone can never have enough of. In this case a thumb drive might be a good idea, so buy a bunch of thumb drives with your logo on it and offer to give them away to anyone who comes by your booth.

While not every trade show is about computers, the basic rule here is that you had something most people find a use for, and you had it ready to give out. This is sure to stick in someone’s mind when they are thinking back to their days at the convention. Sure there is the risk that someone else had the same idea, but if you brought along a universally liked item then chances are you will still be remembered.

Giving Away Something Great
Another way to draw in trade show traffic is to have a give away of something huge. However don’t give away just one item, make sure to have plenty of condolence items as well. In fact it might not be a bad idea to have several large prizes that are given away to people simply by giving you their contact information. This accomplishes several things. First it will draw in traffic, second it will create a memory, and finally it will give you information you can use later even after the show is over.

Drawing in traffic at a trade show can be a very challenging task, but it can also be a rewarding one. To get the best results spend some time thinking about what would get your attention. Then think about what would get your patronage, and finally think of ways to do the same to other people.

Sure, everyone at a trade show is there for pretty much the same purpose, however having a plan is better than showing up empty handed and missing the opportunity all together. While there is always the risk that a particular promotional product will flop, this risk is worth the potential benefit of not only gaining valuable contacts, but potential long term customers and clients as well. Another thought is to know that everyone there will be doing everything they an think of to generate attention, so in a way, you are kind of forced to do the same thing. If for some reason no one else has thought to bring along a few promotional products, then you are in a great position indeed.