Take marketing to the next level by participating in a floor coverings tradeshow. Typically well attended, more than 80% of tradeshow attendees possess some level of buying power. Flooring trade shows let your potential customers see and compare a sizable chunk of your competition under one roof. Trade shows make perfect sense for your company, too, since you save time and money with the opportunity for face-to-face introductions with numerous potential customers.

Preparing for a floor coverings trade show takes time, thought and lots of preparation. As you research the possibilities, keep the following in mind:

1. The people who work your floor coverings tradeshow booth and communicate with visitors can make or break your event's success.

2. Save money at a floor coverings tradeshow by skipping the offer to rent chairs, using a box as a trash can and saving giveaways for visitors who express interest in your product.

3. Follow up with prospects after your floor coverings tradeshow in order of priority -- hot, medium and cold leads.

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

Locate floor coverings trade show information about upcoming events

Choose among numerous floor coverings tradeshows offered during the year to make sure you reach the right potential customers for your products and services.

I recommend: Visit the websites of other flooring companies/organizations like FreeAxes USA and the Carpet and Rug Institute to learn which tradeshows they're promoting. Set up your next exhibit at the NeoCon World's Trade Fair, the annual event for innovative products/resources for corporate hospitality, healthcare, retail, government and institutional/residential interiors. Find all the floor coverings trade show advice you need when you register as an exhibitor for the next BOMA International Conference and Office Building Show. Produced by BOMA International and Buildings magazine, you'll showcase your products at the commercial real estate industry's premier education/networking event and exhibition.

Participate in every national floor coverings trade show possible to improve your bottom line

Take advantage of any floor Coverings trade show services to save time and travel expenses while attending or exhibiting in national flooring tradeshow events. Surfaces is another building trade show that focuses on floor coverings.

I recommend: Surfaces and the National Wood Flooring Association trade show are flooring tradeshows held annually, and a geat opportunity for networking and lining up sources for wood floorings for your customers and building trade. The Commercial Construction Show is also one that you don't want to miss, as well as the Architectural Stone and Ceramic Tile Exposition.

Join national building organizations to increase your exposure at floor coverings tradeshows

Belonging to national home building and remodeling organizations will enhance your credentials while providing the opportunity to participate in local, national and international trade shows.

I recommend: North American Association of Floor Covering Distributors sponsors an annual conference/exhibition of floor coverings in their Distributor Marketplace. Become a member of NARI (National Association of the Remodelers Industry) or NAHB (National Association of home Builders) organizations. The NAHB International Builder's Show is the premier trade show of the year for the floor care industry and building materials trades.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In addition to your displays, put together a floor coverings trade show guide or brochure describing your services or product that you can distribute to visitors along with your business cards and giveaways like stress balls, pens or letter openers.