Spring is in full bloom at DMA Solutions and that can only mean one thing – tradeshow season is just around the corner. There is nothing more exciting than walking a United Fresh, Fresh Summit, or other produce industry show floor. Over the past 10 years DMA has learned a thing or two from participating in tradeshows. In order to help you or your company focus marketing efforts and gear up for the upcoming tradeshows we’ve compiled a list of 10 Tradeshow Best Practices to share.

1. It’s not all about the party.

Sure, tradeshows are great – it’s a chance to catch up with colleagues from the produce industry, have a cocktail or two, and discuss the latest trends. However, tradeshows offer so much more. Before packing up and heading out take time to decide what you want to gain from the show. Set goals for what you want to accomplish and define what success will look like to you.

2. Create a buzz.

Exhibiting starts much earlier than when the show floor opens. Make your booth the “must visit” on the list of produce industry professionals. Reach out to your audience through channels before the show and get them excited about visiting your booth. Utilize direct mail, email, and social media to take initiative in starting conversations and getting attendees excited about stopping to see during the show. For buzz creating tips, click here to read a recent article on this topic.

3. Who’s up for a challenge?

Use your booth presence as an opportunity to draw attention through a produce packed game or challenge and offer an incentive that your audience will want. These types of activities draw attention to your booth and offer entertainment to attendees.

4. Everyone needs a little R&R.

Use your booth as an outlet for attendees to have a place to rest. Walking the show floor can be exhausting. Attendees are looking for a place to find some rest and relaxation. Incorporating this into your booth is a great strategy for gaining some quality time with the folks you want to talk to most.

5. Traffic control.

Don’t get passed up by produce professionals because of unnecessary blockades or too many people in your booth. Use the space you have to be welcoming and walkable. Be sure to eliminate barriers that are not conducive to networking. Remember there is a lot going on at a tradeshow and you want to capitalize on the time you have with attendees that are existing or potential customers.

6. Put your best foot forward.

It’s tradeshow time – be ready to be on your feet. Often times, you’ll see exhibitors sitting at a table in their booth. When the show floor is open it is important to be on your feet and be ready to host and engage visitors.

7. Know your role.

If you are exhibiting at a booth make sure you know what you are doing and how you can be most effective on and off the show floor. Strategize and determine who the key people are for each of the functions in your booth. If your team is relying on your talents to sell in the booth, take extra measures to be groomed and dress for success. It’s important to cover all of your bases and make sure you are prepared.

8. Get the second date.

Produce industry professionals are seeing hundreds of people during tradeshows which is why making a solid impression is an absolute must. Be memorable by creating an experience for your booth visitors. Before launching into your sales pitch, offer them a refreshment or bite to eat. Invite your guests to have a seat and ask simple questions that don’t require a lot of thought but give you the opportunity to identify how you can help the visitor in the search for your products. Finally, equip your guest with the necessary information that they need to follow up after the show. Take proactive measures to stay in touch by following your guest on Twitter or connecting with them on LinkedIn to establish connectivity that will last long after the tradeshow ends.

9. Stay in touch with thoughtful marketing.

You spent several days shaking hands, collecting cards, and making connections produce industry professionals – now what? Your post-show plans are just as important as your pre-show. Nurture the prospects you collected from the show. Continue to present yourself as a thought-leader and provide relevant information covering your focus in produce. Continuing to do so over time will put you on the path to becoming the go to company for your specific produce niche(s).

10. Produce industry professionals just want to have fun!

A ton of work goes in to planning, preparing, and promoting a tradeshow. Don’t forget to enjoy the event and host city and to have fun while doing it. Tradeshows organically serve as way to build camaraderie among teams. Heck, we built this company on working hard and having fun while we were doing it!

Equip yourself with these 10 Tradeshow Best Practices and better prepare yourself for your upcoming tradeshows and events. We’ll see ya soon!