Trade shows, Expos, Shows, they’re all different ways you can put yourself out there and showcase what your business is about. But is exhibiting right for your business and how can you decide if it’s a good idea for you to take part in an exhibition.

An exhibition is a place where large numbers of sellers can come together under one roof to showcase their businesses to visitors. Typically they’re advertised as trade shows and Expos and often, you will find they either showcase businesses in one particular industry (such as the VA Conference/PA Show) or cover a large, more generic niche (such as small business).

Is exhibiting right for your business?

To answer this question you first need to look at the three W’s – what, why and who. What are you looking to sell? Why do you want to sell? And of course, who are you looking to sell to? You can then look around and see what type of exhibitions will suit your needs.

But if you want to look more into what exhibiting can do for you, as well as checking whether you’re actually ready to exhibit, keep reading!

What are the benefits of exhibiting?

As exhibitions showcase a particular industry or niche, they bring buyers and sellers who are interested in that niche, under one roof. That means you have the perfect opportunity to network with industry peers and targeted customers. You can meet new companies and learn of new improvements and developments in your industry.

Of course, you also have the chance to put yourself and your business out there, building brand awareness, gathering feedback and growing your own database of interested parties. Exhibiting gives you access to potential future joint venture partners, peers that could become colleagues or friends and boost your confidence in your own business and its capabilities.

Can you afford to exhibit?

There are two things exhibitions demand of you – money and time. You need to have the funds to hire space and stands, as well as the additional product and/or materials you may need to fill your hired space.

But it’s also important to remember that size isn’t everything. It’s far better to have a smaller stand you can afford and ensure it’s aesthetically pleasing, as opposed to stretching your budget to hire a larger space, only to find you can’t afford to make it look good. Also, considering starting with smaller exhibitions. They give you a chance to grow your confidence and perfect your stands appearance, whilst helping to keep your costs down.

How will I know if I’m ready to exhibit?

So, how will you know if you’re ready to exhibit? Once you’ve narrowed down your choice of exhibition, here’s the top questions you need to ask yourself:

• What are my exhibiting goals and desired outcomes?
• Do I have the right resources in place? Am I happy to stand with my competitors and showcase what I have?
• Do I have the support to be away from my business and/or man an exhibit?
• Do I have the financial means to exhibit and the right people to help run an exhibit?
• Am I going to use exhibiting as a regular part of my marketing strategy, or am I looking at it as a one-off event?

Showcasing your business at an exhibition can have numerous benefits for your business – but you have to do your research before you commit. By answering the above questions, you’ll know if you’re ready to exhibit and you’ll be able to get the most out of the exhibition you attend. And if you want help getting exhibition-ready, do get in touch and see how Green Tree Virtual PA Services can help!