A trade show can be one of the most exciting and profitable ventures you pursue to promote your business. The proper trade show display allows you to showcase and demonstrate your products or services to their greatest advantage. As in real estate, the mantra "location, location, location" applies, as the location of your trade show booth is also a key factor to your success. Make an effort to register early for the best site in the exhibit hall.

Trade show booths typically vary in size and configuration, as well as cost. Choose the trade show booth that best suits your needs. Keep your trade show display in mind when you choose the booth, so both the display and the booth will work well together. Also take note of lighting and electrical outlets, if those are necessary for your display. For instance, before registering and choosing your booth, gather all the details you need about the size of your banner and the number of brochures or other marketing materials you plan to have on hand. This is in addition to the product samples you may want to make available for viewing or prizes for drawings. Some kind of promotion is always a good idea and may make you more memorable than another business not offering one.

When the day of the trade show arrives, make sure YOU arrive early, preferably with one or more helpers, to get set up in your trade show booth. Make sure you and your associates are professionally dressed and prepared to discuss your products or services, and answer questions about them. Once you have your booth and display in order, you may have the opportunity to walk around and view other trade show booths. In addition to networking and making valuable contacts, you may also size up your competition. This may help you decide if you need to make any last-minute changes in your display or demonstration strategies, to make a more favorable impression.

As a specific example, consider a textiles and fabrics trade show, if you are quilter. Trade show booths and their display areas in this case are quite significant, since you want to have the room to adequately display one or multiple quilts, literally in the best light possible. An excellent way to promote your business is have a sewing machine there in the booth and someone actively piecing quilt blocks as a great demo. Also offer a drawing so you can award a lucky participant with a small token, such as a quilted pillow or small wall hanging.

Use trade shows to your best advantage. Make sure your trade show display, booth, marketing materials, and products are high-quality. Go prepared with plenty of business cards and brochures. Make business contacts and gain new customers or clients. Then plan to attend the next trade show!