No exhibit plan is complete unless some resources are allocated to ensuring that attendees put visiting your booth on their agenda. Reports show that nearly 76% of attendees have a pre-set agenda for their time at the show. Pre-show promotion plans can include:

Paid advertising

Often newspapers and magazines align themselves with a trade show by publishing a special edition with special advertising rates for show exhibitors. Check with your show manager to find out if this opportunity is available.

Media releases

Trade show publications often have a need for editorial content. Check with the editor to find out what information they are looking for. If your product or service catches their interest and is included in the editorial line-up, it could be a great promotional coup.

Invitations

Consider inviting specific people to your booth. With a bit of creativity, invitations can be very powerful. You can include a promotion such as a “come to the booth to get a free prize,” or “bring the attached ballot for your chance to win a free trip.” Mail them a couple of weeks before the show and follow-it up just before the show with a fax or email as a reminder.

Web-site

Not all your promotional plans have to be expensive. If you have a website then simply adding an announcement about your participation at the show will attract people to your booth.