I just watched quite possibly the worst exhibitor day video for an event I’ve ever seen (I couldn’t watch the entire video…would have been too painful!). If I was exhibiting and had given up my day to go and see that…I wouldn’t be walking away feeling excited about exhibiting that’s for sure.
Do exhibitor days need reviewing? They so often get thrown together (we know, we’ve been to a few) without much thought to what to put together other than someone having been tasked with the job of putting one on.
So, what is an exhibitor day?
An exhibitor day is a prime opportunity for you to interact with a dedicated group of clients – they’ve taken the time to come and see you…give them something interesting in return. We (that’s a collective we) are all about creating great experiences at our events. Exhibitor days shouldn’t be treated any differently.
It’s great to tell them what tools that are available to them to use – but give them a reason as to why they should use them, not just a product demo.
Please don’t just give them a run-down of the ops manual of your event, what you’re doing with your floorplan or what your website looks like this year. BORING.
Exhibitors have given up their time and money to be with you to find out what they can do to enhance their exhibiting experience. Their satisfaction is paramount to your success. If you have enthused exhibitors, you’ll have happy visitors*. If you have happy exhibitors… it’s more likely that they’ll rebook and you’ll have happy directors.
Instead, inspire them.
- Inspire them to use the preshow marketing activity to the best of their advantage.
- Inspire them to interact better with delegates that visit their stand.
- Inspire them as to why they should be capturing leads to enhance their business.
- Inspire them that you will be there to help them get the most out of their exhibiting experience.
- Inspire them to exhibit again.
*obviously there is more to an event than just the exhibitors taking part…but you get my drift.