Applications for Exhibit Space are available now.
Contact Nicole.Hambric@NMSDC.org or 212-944-2430, ext. 138.

1. Establish and stick to your budget. In addition to cost of your physical exhibit, be sure to include the following:

  • Travel Expenses
    • Air Travel
    • Housing
    • Ground Transportation
    • Meals and Incidentals
  • Conference Registration
    Exhibitor fees do not include Conference educational sessions, special events and/or meals
  • Shipping (to and from the show)
  • Show Services
    • Drayage
    • Installation/Dismantle
    • Electrical
    • Internet/Wi-Fi
    • Florals
  • Marketing Materials and Giveaways

2. Plan Ahead. You should begin planning and meeting with your team well in advance of the show. Make sure your staff is knowledgeable on your company, products and services.

Tips for Exhibiting

3. Define and measure success. Set clear objectives for your trade show exhibiting opportunity. Whether your focus is on sales lead/prospect generation, customer engagement, building brand awareness, market research, a product launch or other objectives, determine your metrics and track your results.

4. Also Think “Retention.” We want you to make new connections at the show, but it’s also important to use the NMSDC Conference and Business Opportunity Exchange as an opportunity to connect with your current customers. Let them know about any new products or services your company has developed over the past year. Take time to reach out to clients in your database to learn if they are attending the show and schedule appointments.

5.  Do your homework. Prior to the show, invite your customers and prospects to visit your booth; use your web site, social media and direct mail. View the list of exhibitors and try to contact the companies you feel your business is able to provide services for. Remember, their time is limited! When you meet with them, you should already know, who they are, what they do, and be prepared to provide detailed and personalized information to them on the services you can offer to benefit their company. We have over 700 booths, so it is impossible to visit every booth in one day. For better results, identify a minimum of 25 pre-qualified leads.

Tips for Exhibiting

6. Keep your exhibition graphics simple. “Who you are and what you do” is often missed! Be creative and unique.

7. Give prospective clients a reason or incentive for visiting your booth. Be enthusiastic, confident and have a positive attitude. Have samples, or creative giveaways at your booth. It is best when these tie in to your brand.

8. Make your space work for you. Leave plenty of room to meet clients, discuss projects or demonstrate products.

9. Read the Exhibitor’s Manual completely. If you have any questions, or unclear about anything in the manual, speak with the NMSDC Exhibit Manager or the General Service Contractor.

 

Tips for Exhibiting

10. Don’t leave money on the floor. As an MBE, we know you want to do business with our national/local corporate members, but keep in mind, we have MBEs with reported earnings of over a billion dollars. Some of these companies have supplier diversity programs and are looking to do MBE-to-MBE business.

11. Consider additional marketing opportunities. Increase your company’s exposure by advertising in the NMSDC Conference Program or Exhibitor Directory, or by being a conference sponsor. Click here  for information.

12. Pack return shipping labels. The General Service Contractor isn’t responsible for returning your material or providing labels. If you would like for them to handle it, you may contact them to discuss fees for handling your booth.

OTHER RESOURCES ON EXHIBITING

Article

 Article:  Tradeshow 101
Source: eliteexpo.com (August 21, 2015)

Video Video: The MAGIC of Trade Show Success
Source: Peter Wardell (May 31, 2011)