Computer hardware trade show marketing is challenging. The customers and clients you meet at trade shows are often inundated with information about new computer systems and new hardware, not only at the trade show, but also by commercials, magazines and the press. To make your trade show strategy a success, you need to create an attractive display, you need to gather leads and you must have a solid strategy for following up after the event.

Your marketing strategy's aim should be not only to create a great display, but also to generate more sales for your business. Too many companies fail to focus on creating actual cash flow at such events, but unless you set your sights on selling and not just presenting, your trade show event may end up quite costly. To maximize your computer hardware trade show marketing success, therefore, consider:

1. Renting up-to-date computers for your computer hardware trade show marketing efforts.

2. Creating animated or video LED display presentations that showcase your hardware.

3. Making the most of the leads you create with giveaways that keep sales coming.

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

Rent the equipment you need for computer hardware tradeshow promotions

Computer hardware trade show promotions, more than other types of trade show marketing, rely heavily on computer equipment. If you're trying to display a hardware product--such as a monitor--you may need a good system that lets you showcase that hardware. Renting allows you to get quality computers at a reasonable rate for your trade show.

I recommend: SmartSource rents brand name computer equipment specifically for trade shows and can customize your rental system to your needs. Rentfusion allows you to rent computers, laptops, projectors and other computer equipment for your trade show. With national offices, there is a good chance your rental location is close by.

Set up LED displays to increase computer hardware trade show traffic

While banners and signs work well for many trade shows, visitors to computer hardware trade shows tend to expect something a little more tech savvy. LED displays are portable and allow you to show product animations or videos in action.

I recommend: Snowdragon Industrial offers quality LED displays that can enhance your computer hardware tradeshow promotions with animation and video. Global Sign & Design offers full-color LED signs that are perfect for trade show use. They offer planning, installation and training so you know how to make the most of your new display during your trade show.

Offer computer hardware tradeshow giveaways to keep your message at customer's fingertips

Giveaways are a great choice for computer trade shows because there are many tech-savvy gifts that can easily be printed with your company name and contact information. Look for products that trade show attendees will actually use so your marketing message will always be at hand. Giveaways can translate into sales for weeks or months after the event is over.

I recommend: Brandeditems boasts a number of high-tech products that are perfect for computer hardware tradeshows advertising and promotion. The company offers everything from promotional USB cables to hubs and mp3 players. RushIMPRINT promotes itself as the fastest imprinted promotional products provider around. They offer an impressive array of computer and technology-themed computer hardware tradeshow giveaways.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you have an effective computer hardware trade show marketing plan, you should meet new leads and customers during your trade show. While this is wonderful, you need to have a post-trade show plan to turn those leads into computer hardware trade show sales. Using software to capture leads and following up on those leads turns your trade show experience into actual sales. Computer hardware tradeshow follow-up is a key way to keep sales flowing after a trade show.