the Cost of Trade Shows

This was money we invested to be in a tradeshow, and included our booth rental, our booth setup, our backdrop, the promotional items we gave away to attendees, our logoed balloons, and the marketing materials we used to inform people of our inclusion.

This was a relatively small trade show by way of comparison to larger, national ones. However, this was a highly-targeted, very niche-oriented show and was well worth our time. Spending time at a trade show like this and marketing our business this way has proven to be much more beneficial to our business than just placing a display ad in the newspaper or internet. Also, we are a small enough business that our marketing efforts may get lost a larger trade show, but one this size was manageable and highly worth it.

When using a trade show or seminar as a marketing tool, it is important to consider your audience and what you are trying to accomplish with this form of advertisement. Are you just wanting to meet face to face with your current clients? Or, are you looking for new contacts and to bolster your mailing list? Obviously, whatever the situation is, it is important to concentrate your efforts there, and market your booth/business in an attractive/unobtrusive way that makes tradeshow attendees want to come over and see you!