Exhibitor Tips

TIPS FOR SUCCESS AT HOME SHOWS

Statistically, the average homeowner that attends a home expo this year will spend $10,000 on their home, whether it’s making improvements, major renovations, or updating their interior décor. These homeowners are attending the home shows you exhibit in, so make it a successful show, and get your share of their spending!

The first thing people see is your booth staff and display. Make your booth look inviting to attendees with these tips!

• Don’t Cluster in your booth. If you have more than one person staffed in your booth, avoid having them involved in a discussion together, as attendees are likely to pass by your booth and not interrupt them.
• Act as a Greeter not a guard of your booth. If your booth staff is standing next to or behind your booth or product, they may appear to be guarding it. It’s better to stand off to the side instead, allowing your product to be the star.
• Look Approachable rather than standing in the “pitch pose” with arms crossed, in your pocket, or behind your back. Your body language is so important, and will either cause attendees to visit your booth, or pass by.
• Smile and look friendly. That, paired with your body language will create either a positive or negative impression on people strolling by. A friendly smile and relaxed stance will invite people into your booth.

Once you get people into your booth, how you speak and act is also important.

• Welcome Visitors rather than ask if they need help. “May I help you?” triggers a “No, thank you” answer, and the dialogue is over. Alternatively, thank them for visiting your booth and ask if they’re familiar with your product. This opens a dialogue and allows you to learn about the visitor.
• Look Attentive while talking to visitors. Again, you body language is important and even if you’re saying the right things, you may look bored and not interested in their business, which may turn them away prematurely.
• Take Notes of key comments during the dialogue. Half of what the visitor has said will be forgotten as soon as they walk away, and it may be the most important information of the discussion. By taking notes, you can follow up later.

The final and most important tip, but also the simplest, is to have fun! If you’re not enjoying yourself, people will notice and it may even turn their mood. Enjoy yourself while you’re there, and help spread positivity.