How to get the most from a promotional event

prettypetal · #1 (**permalink**) 29-06-2008, 21:19

Hi all , how are you all today?

As you all know I am the least savvy business person on A1

and as such need to call upon you all again!

I am booked to do lots of events from small craft fairs to large events with a few thousand visitors. I really want to get the most from them.

I have a lot of ideas but wondered if anyone else does promotional events and if so what tips can you give me.

For example...should I take stock to sell or just promote and offer samples, competitions etc?

Do I need lots of graphics such as backdrop, posters etc, and if so how do I go about this process?

All ideas and suggestions gratefully received as always.

KingPin · #2 (**permalink**) 29-06-2008, 21:25

I've never done any trade shows as a "seller" but from a potential buyers point of view, B2B or B2C, I would be looking at a few things like....

Does the stand/store have samples/demos?

Stock for me to buy there and then if I love the product/item?

How well is the exhibit displayed (presentation is everything, first impressions count).

Does the person who is selling/promoting the product/item know their stuff?

How good is the quality of the item/product?

Not sure if that helps much.

KP

prettypetal · #3 (**permalink**) 29-06-2008, 21:26

Hi Lee,

Thanks for your views, valued as always

Nicksyb · #4 (**permalink**) 29-06-2008, 21:29

I agree totally with the above.

Your products are so fantastic they should sell on their own but a little push never hurts.

Samples and stock to buy are a must. I'm one of those people that if I see something I like I want it there and then, once I've walked away the chances are I won't remember about you. Sorry

Leaflets, just some catchy ones to hand out to everyone who passess.

Will you be going with a pink theme?

What are you actually going to display, if it is your cake looking candles/wax melts then you could dress your table up like a summer picnic

Ooooohhh I am all excited for you

prettypetal · #5 (**permalink**) 29-06-2008, 22:10

Nicksy B,

Thanks for the lovely comments about my products!

Check out my website, I have been taking everyones advice....Kingpin, Admagic (of course) and Louise all gave some fab suggestions.

I toned it down and tidied it up with their help

Thanks all!

Cracking Media · #6 (**permalink**) 29-06-2008, 22:46

Hi Tracy Jane - what a beautiful day today in Dorset

I would suggest handing out flyers too, but with a competition with a prize to be awarded at the end of the day to the winner. The competition could be a simple question that would be easy for people to find the answer to on your stand but that would encourage people to stop and look giving you a better chance to engage them in conversation and get them looking and trying out your goods.

On the competition form you could also request basic contact info (including an email address) and then you would be able to send them special offers by email throughout the year and at Christmas etc. You would need to include a checkbox though for them to tick to agree to be emailed so as to not break anti-spam regulation.

I would also recommend taking along at least one other person to help you so if there is a lot of interest at your stand you are then less likely to miss potential sales. If the event is large enough that would also mean that one of you could go around the event handing out leaflets to invite them to enter your competition - which would of course bring them to your stand.

All the best with these - I am sure they will be good for you.

Peter