🌟 Tips & Tricks for New Exhibitors

Exhibiting for the first time? We’ve got you covered! Use these tips to make your booth stand out, attract the right buyers, and maximize your ROI. 

🎯 Invite Your Target Customers

Start strong by inviting your current customers and top prospects to visit your booth. 

  • Reach out early with a quick call to set up appointments during the show. 
  • Follow up with a personalized email or postcard invitation, including your unique registration link ( found in the Exhibitor Resource Center) 

  • Pro Tip: Mention any new products, show specials, or demos to give them a reason to stop by! 

🗂 Complete Your Directory Listing

Fill out your ERC - Exhibitor Resource Center. Include your company description and product categories so attendees can easily find you in the  online show directories and mobile app.

📘 Read the Exhibitor Service Manual (and Don’t Skip the Deadlines) 

The Exhibitor Service Manual is your go-to guide for everything, from shipping and setup to deadlines and regulations. 

  • Mark important deadline dates in your calendar. 
  • Order services (furniture, carpet, electricity, etc.) early to avoid rush fees.

🔍 Use Lead Retrieval to Access Leads for Immediate follow-up

The leads scanned at your booth are more than just a name. The data behind scanned badges and conversations fuel valuable insights to inform your post-show follow-up and lead conversion.  

Converge⁺ combines lead scanning and data insights to provide a cost-effective way for your team to maximize ROI and build meaningful relationships – empowering your sales and marketing teams like never before. 

🧰 Pack Smart

Bring plenty of catalogs, order forms, pens, tape, chargers, giveaways and other essentials. A well-prepared booth saves time and keeps your team focused on customers.

🤝 Prep Your Booth Staff

Your team is the face of your brand! 

  • Train them on your key talking points, product details, and sales process. 
  • Encourage a positive, approachable attitude; smiles go a long way. 

  • Dress professionally and wear comfortable shoes for those long show days.

🎁 Plan a Fun & Useful Giveaway

Giveaways are a great way to attract attention and keep your brand top-of-mind long after the show ends. Choose items that are useful, high-quality, and relevant to your audience. 

Smart Giveaway Ideas: 

  • Reusable tote bags – perfect for carrying swag around the show floor. 
  • Branded water bottles or tumblers – always appreciated and eco-friendly. 

  • Phone chargers or power banks – high-value, practical, and memorable. 

  • Mini product samples – let buyers experience your brand firsthand. 

  • Scratch-off cards or spin-to-win prizes – interactive and fun ways to engage visitors.

  • Social media giveaways – encourage attendees to follow, tag, or post a photo for a chance to win. 

Pro Tip: Pair your giveaway with a lead capture—like scanning badges or collecting business cards—so you can follow up with those new contacts after the show. 

📬 Have a Post-Show Follow-Up Plan

The show doesn’t end when the lights go out! 
Many orders are placed after the show, so follow-up is essential. 

  • Send thank-you notes or emails. 
  • Call your top leads within a week.

  • Track your outreach using your lead retrieval data. Tip: Schedule dedicated time the week after the show for follow-ups—you’ll thank yourself later. 

📲 Stay Social

Stay connected year-round! 

  • Follow the show on Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, and X (Twitter). 
  • Keep your own social channels active—post booth updates, product teasers, or behind-the-scenes sneak peeks. 

  • We often share exhibitor posts, so tag us and use the event hashtag! 

✨ Bonus Tips for Going the Extra Mile

  • Arrive early to set up and walk the floor before the show opens. 
  • Network at receptions and education sessions—you never know who you’ll meet. 

  • Take notes about what works (and what doesn’t) for smoother planning next year. 

  • Smile often—it’s your most powerful (and free!) marketing tool.