Banking tradeshows offer a great venue to meet potential and current customers in one place. At a banking tradeshow, you will have the opportunity to meet with business owners and financial professionals looking for new banking products, new organizations with which to do their banking and vendors with new banking software and credit programs.

Bring your newest loan and investment products to the banking trade show and offer special promotions to tradeshow attendees who sign with you at the show. Utilize banking trade show services to get an exhibit booth that stands out among the other financial services companies. To find the best banking trade shows for your business, consider the following ideas:

1. Become involved in industry groups that put on banking tradeshows.

2. Find information to get the most of available banking trade show services.

3. Book a spot early for a banking tradeshow to draw more visitors.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Investigate banking trade show directory opportunities

Many banking tradeshows begin taking applications for the next event before the current tradeshow or convention is even over. In addition to getting a reduced fee, you can find out about special events that might take place during the show as well as have the ability to request a prime location for your booth at the next show.

I recommend: Find a place for business at the Financial Services Technology Forum. Be a solution provider on the floor of one of the events sponsored by the Bank Administration Institute.

Find the best banking trade show advice for your company

Industry publications are good places to learn about banking tradeshow and convention opportunities. While you are reading up on the latest industry news, you should keep an eye out for upcoming events where you can showcase your company and increase sales leads for the year.

I recommend: Join hundreds of exhibitors at the Independent Community Bankers of America Association events and tradeshows. Read the PDF files available from the organization with tips and banking trade show information on how you can take advantage of the available bank tradeshow services. Get information on a number of important trade shows and expos at the Mortgage Bankers Association.

Book a spot early for a banking tradeshow

Most industry trade groups use their resources to put on a banking trade show for their members. Outside vendors are usually welcome to exhibit, but members can get in early and land the good spots on the floors. Association members usually get reduced fees for show space as well.

I recommend: The Consumer Bankers Association members keep informed of important events, including those sponsored by the organization. The American Bankers Association is one of the largest banking associations in the country and draws a good crowd to its conventions and tradeshows; check its banking trade show guide.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Have a variety of promotional items at your banking trade show booth for various visitors. Keep the cheaper items such as pens and bags for slightly interested visitors and more expensive items such as mugs and caps for potential clients that show some real interest in your business offerings.