There are several ways to get your event management business out there, but attending an event management trade show can give you a lot of exposure in just one trip. Exhibiting at event management trade shows is a great way to not only show the other members of your trade that you mean business but also to drum up more business of your own.

Before attending, you need some event management trade show information. Here are a few tips for putting your best foot forward at an event management trade show:

1. Consider the audience at the event management trade show.

2. Be sure to take promotional items to hand out at a event management trade show.

3. Don't forget to check out the competition.

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

Identify the audience for the event management trade show you will be attending

Your booth may change with every trade show you attend. It is important to consider the type of trade show and who it is targeting. Find out whether it is open to the public or if you have to have a business to attend. Think about who you want to appeal to and go from there. It is essential to your success at an event management tradeshow to be prepared before you walk through the doors.

I recommend: Check out the major event management trade shows organized by The International Congress and Convention Association, the International Facility Management Association and
UFI - The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry.

Take promotional materials to hand out at the event management trade show

Once the attendees get home, what will the remember? Maybe what your display looked like. Possibly the services that you offer. But will they remember your company name and how to get a hold of you? Keep in mind they will have visited a countless number of exhibitors that day. In order for them to remember you specifically, be sure they walk away from your booth with something in their hands that has your company's name on it.

I recommend: There are tons of items that you can take with you to give away, but make sure they speak to who your company is. CoolPromoProducts.com offers several items you can personalize and hand out at the show. Garrett Specialties also offers giveaways that are not just promotional but useful too.

Remember to check out the competition while you are at an event management trade show

It's easy to get caught up in your own display, trying to promote your own business. But part of the benefit of attending event management tradeshows is to check out who else is out there that offers the same services as you do. This information will help you set yourself apart from everyone else.

I recommend: If staffing problems stand in the way of you being able to "attend" the event as well as exhibit at it, consider hiring a company like TSE Promotions & Staffing. It can help you to get the right people behind your booth when you can't be. National Event Staffing also offers event management trade show services that can help you to put the right people behind the booth so you can go pick up the event management trade show guide and check out what is new in your field.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Don't feel obligated to pick up every piece of information at the competitors' booths. Be selective so you go home with information that really could be beneficial to you rather then ending up with an overwhelming amount of information at the end.