Brighton Chamber of Commerce: Top tips for exhibitions

Sean Dennis and Simon Groves from Lets Do Business and PRG Marketing Communications at the Amex

Making the most of exhibiting or visiting an exhibition is crucial if you’re to ensure it’s worth the budget or time off work, here are our top tips to help you do just that.

1) What do you want to achieve?

Before the exhibition, it’s important to think about what you’d like to get out of the event.

Planning who you’d like to speak to and researching their business and background will ensure you can make the most out of your time there.

While it may seem tempting to try and meet everyone, think about who you could benefit from being introduced to.

You can use social networking sites such as LinkedIn to see if you have any mutual connections.

It’s also good practice to think about helping others make useful connections too, as they’re more likely to reciprocate.

2) Opportunities outside the main event.

While promoting your business at your stand is the norm at an expo, it’s also worth considering if the exhibition offers opportunities outside of the main event – for example, pre- and post-networking events such as breakfasts and drinks offer the opportunity to make contacts in a less formal setting.

Don’t forget to follow up with key contacts after the event too.

3) Market ahead.

There are plenty of ways to promote your exhibition appearance prior to the event – email marketing, a press release to relevant trade media and face to face networking.

The key is to ensure people know you’ll be there.

4) Marketing your business on the day at an exhibition is also important.

Whether you’re exhibiting or visiting, the same principles apply.

Social media is an easy win – engage with others attending the exhibition and don’t forget to tag the official exhibition accounts in your posts and use any event hashtags.

Ensure your business cards, stand and any other printed collateral are on brand and truly reflect the qualities of your business.

Make sure people know which stand to find you on too – you’d be surprised how many people forget the details!

The Let’s Do Business Brighton exhibition is taking place on June 14 at the Amex. For more information about exhibiting, visit letsdobusiness.org or contact one of the Brighton Chamber team on 01273 719097.