What Does Your Booth Staff Say About Your Company?

You have spent a great deal of time and money on your pre-trade show marketing campaign, design, brochures, and signage. However, none of that will matter if your booth staff are unenthusiastic and unprepared for the event. The staff will be representing your company and will be the first impression attendees will get, so making it a positive one is important if you want to increase your sales and return on investment. Here are some simple ways to prepare your staff for the upcoming trade show.

1. Role Play Different Scenarios – Undoubtedly there will be a question or comment made by someone at the convention that was unexpected. Train your staff by asking a number of questions that could come up so that they know how to answer even the toughest questions.
2. Know the Products – Make sure all of your staff know every detail about the products or services being sold. Hold a training class for those employees who are not as familiar with the products.
3. Appearance is Important - Clothes should be cleaned and pressed, hair should be neat, and nametags or badges should be visible.
4. Keep the Booth Organized – The more traffic that comes through your trade show exhibit booth, the more unorganized it can look, from garbage on the ground to brochures getting muddled on the table or literature rack. In between traffic, make sure your staff are taking time to organize and clean up the booth.
5. Bring Mints – With all of the people that your staff will be speaking with, keeping their breath fresh is important. Bad breath could cause attendees to not wanting to speak with your employees.
6. Make Eye Contact and Smile – Show attendees that you are glad they stopped by your exhibit by making eye contact and greeting them with a smile. They will most likely feel more comfortable in your booth if they know they are welcome.
7. Keep Cell Phones at Home or in the Car – Avoid bringing cell phones to the event because they will end up being too distracting.
8. Remember the 80/20 Rule – Exhibitors should only speak 20 percent of the time and listen 80 percent of the time. Attendees want to know you are hearing what they have to say and if they are constantly getting interrupted, the chances of them wanting to do business with you is much less.
9. Only Bring Enthusiastic Employees – If your staff is passionate about your products or services, that enthusiasm can be contagious.
10. Ask Open-Ended Questions – Open-ended questions will keep the dialogue going, not giving attendees the chance to shut down the conversation.
These 10 tips will help keep your staff prepared for the upcoming show.