Whether you’re a startup or a well-established brand, events like trade shows, conferences, and networking expos offer a golden opportunity to get your name out there. But only if you know how to stand out in a sea of booths and banners.
The truth is, no one remembers the generic table with a boring stack of flyers. If you’re going to spend the time, energy, and budget to attend an event, you need to do something memorable.
Here are five creative and effective ways to promote your business so that people don’t forget you five seconds after walking away.
1. Turn Your Booth Into an Experience
Forget the flat poster board and a boring pitch. People want to interact. They want to know who you are and what you do.
Create a booth setup that feels immersive. You can add:
- A mini demo station with samples
- An interactive game with prizes
- A “spin the wheel” experience or something similar
The goal is to get people to spend more time at your booth. The longer the stay, the more likely they are to remember and maybe even talk about your brand.
2. Offer Practical Freebies
People who attend these events usually have limited bag space and even less interest in overused, boring freebies like pens. So, instead of another forgettable pen or keychain, offer practical items that they can actually use.
One such option is custom laminated tote bags that are not only durable and usable, but also remind them of your brand whenever they use them.
You can get your logo printed on totes, which can be great for branding since it will be carried around the whole event. Plus, these bags can hold a lot of things without taking up too much space, making them a perfect gift for event-goers.
3. Make Networking Fun
Not everyone is good at networking. In fact, most people feel awkward initiating conversations.
Help them out by creating conversation starters that make it easier to engage with you. Wear fun badges, offer icebreaker cards, and set up a “networking wall” where people can leave notes or cards.
The goal here is to break the ice and create a space where real, honest, and comfortable conversations can happen. And make your presence memorable and your reputation strong along the way.
4. Bring the Right People
You could have the best booth setup in the world, but if the people running it are half-asleep, rude, or bored, you’re not getting any leads.
Not everyone is good at running a booth, and that’s okay. You can bring your most enthusiastic, friendly, and knowledgeable team members, and make sure they know:
- How to pitch the business in under 30 seconds
- How to answer FAQs
- How to carry conversations and keep people engaged and interested
Also, train them to read the room. Sometimes, a hard sell can go wrong.
5. Collect Emails
You can get more leads if you give people a reason to share their contact information. You can do this by:
- Running a giveaway or raffle
- Offering a free resource or discount code
- Setting up a quick sign-up station for email marketing
Make sure to follow up post-event while your brand is still fresh in their minds. A simple “It was nice meeting you!” can build loyal customers.
