Woodworking trade show marketing should be an integral piece of your trade show experience to attract the people looking for your new products. Reach consumers who attend trade shows looking for new woodworking products, kits and projects with woodworking trade show giveaways. Let people know where they can find you at the show through woodworking trade show advertising and interactive booths at which you showcase your skills.

To build show traffic, plan to use unique woodworking tradeshow giveaways and special promotions. Seek the assistance of a trade show expert if you need help deciding on how to best display your woodwork and the services you offer. Take advantage of sponsorship opportunities to get additional traction out of the event. Make your woodworking tradeshows advertising work in a number of ways.

1. Create a buzz with your woodworking trade show involvement.

2. Look for additional woodworking tradeshow marketing opportunities.

3. Send woodworking trade show promotions in advance.

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

Use tools provided by the host for woodworking tradeshow marketing

The more trade shows available in an industry, the more the host of the event will want to add tools or perks to draw in exhibitors. Some trade shows hosts might provide mail-out labels for attendees, while others help you connect to people interested in your products. Look for associations that host events during trade shows to find additional sources of marketing.

I recommend: The International Woodworking Machinery & Furniture Supply Fair provides registered exhibitors with an event planner designed to help you make the most of the trade show. Accuride sponsors the Belt Sander Racing Association, which hosts races at woodworking tradeshows. Competitors, and especially the winners, get publicity and recognition from the event.

Look for additional woodworking trade shows advertising opportunities

Industry associations are always looking for sponsorships for their trade shows. Increase your exposure with woodworking trade shows advertising as a sponsor or by putting an ad in the show directory. Register early for shows to get a good spot on the show floor that will help you draw more traffic to your booth.

I recommend: The Woodworking Machinery Industry Association keeps its members informed on important tradeshows and events and offers early registration. Show off your latest designs as a sponsor of the Association of Woodworking & Furnishings suppliers fair that is a big draw for vendors and suppliers of the woodworking industry.

Increase woodworking trade show sales with your marketing efforts

Ask the tradeshow organizers for additional tickets to the show as part of your exhibit fee so that you can send invitations to important clients or prospects. Tag on to the pre-show advertising done by the show organizers as a sponsor. Link the details of the show to your own website to let your customers know where you'll be and send out invitations to the show through emails.

I recommend: Hook up with a number of important woodworking tradeshows through the Forest Products Society. Take advantage of marketing options offered by the group. TSI Expos presents awards for businesses that work in humanitarian efforts and compete in competitions. It links to winners' websites, which can help draw traffic to the website.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask woodworking trade show organizers for a mailing list of woodworking trade show traffic. Often you can follow up with visitors after the event ends.