A business trade show can help business owners inexpensively attract a significant number of potential customers. With generally low cost booth space, business tradeshows can provide small business owners with a forum in which to compete with other companies of all sizes.

Participating in a business trade show can help business owners generate leads and sales, gain more notoriety and promote products, educate their target audience and provide prospective customers and distributors with a live demonstration of their products. Consider the following tips to help you take full advantage of the benefits of business trade shows:

1. Find a business trade show that targets your prospective buyer market.

2. Create a marketing and promotion plan for your business tradeshow exhibit.

3. Be sure to budget wisely and avoid overspending.

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

Plan early for a business trade show

Once you find a business trade show that may be beneficial for your business, be sure to carefully review the business trade show guide early. You can save money by taking advantage of early booking discounts on hotel accommodations, airfare and booth rental. Be sure to review the listing of other participants and strategically plan your booth location.

I recommend: Check out Exhibitor Magazine Group's online trdae show directory to search for business trade shows by industry, state or event name. If you don’t have time to search for business trade shows, try services offered by TSNN, a company that puts together a U.S. business trade show directory.

Demonstrate your creativity at business tradeshows

Competition is high at business trade shows. Be sure to be creative with your booth promotion and design by creating a display that will draw the attention of attendees. It's also a good idea to have some unique and memorable giveaways on hand that will remind attendees of your product and service offering.

I recommend: Consider purchasing or renting a pop-up or tabletop display from Displayit, an online supplier of business trade show services and materials. You can also check out Pinnacle Promotions for new and unique ideas on business trade show giveaways.

Seek professional business trade show services

Being a hit at business tradeshows requires skill and strategy. Consider seeking business trade show information and advice from trade show experts to help you appropriately set up your booth and assist with marketing strategies.

I recommend: Mitch Tarr offers expert-level business trade show advice in his trade show marketing guide. You may also consider contacting Frost Miller Group for business trade show advice on marketing, booth set up, sales presentations and product messaging.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It's a good idea to network with other businesses and conduct research to ensure participation in a business trade show will put you in front of the right audience. For example, if you sell children's clothing, it would not be a good idea to participate in a home and garden business trade show.