Bigger Isn’t Always Better
When it comes to trade shows and events, bigger isn’t always better. Sure a large 10,000 sq ft. exhibit is pretty impressive, but do you really require that much space to make your brand stand out and reach your event marketing goals? Here are a few reasons why a smaller space can make the same or better impact.
Spend more on marketing: When you don’t use your entire marketing budget on your booth space and exhibit expenses, you have more opportunity to reach and market effectively to your target audience. Think of pre-show mailers, email campaigns, at show promotions, hospitality events or more. These marketing initiatives can take your message and brand beyond the show and help turn more prospects into customers.
Empty space: Large exhibit space can often be intimidating. I have walked the halls of some of the largest convention centers and have seen some pretty massive exhibits. What I have also seen was wasted space, empty areas, no customers and no staff. I felt a bit lost and had to search out for employees working the exhibit to find someone, anyone to talk to. It seemed like a lot of empty, useless space on the show floor that had no reason of being there. Why pay for empty carpet you won’t use?
Face-to-face intimacy: When you exhibit at a show your key goal is to generate quality leads from target consumers. Sometimes smaller space allows for a more intimate conversation, better interaction and private demonstration of what you have to show. Large group demos are often good to tell a lot of people at once what you are selling, but at the same time, how many of those people do you approach or approach you after to discuss it further? Sometimes a smaller audience is better.
Projected amount of attendees: I have made the mistake of upgrading my booth space thinking the event will be as successful as the year before. I locked in my booth early to pay reduced fees and get the space I wanted. I knew the location of the next years venue so I assumed it would be a good turn out, I was wrong. I ended up paying for a larger space with not the same amount of success. I should have done my research on their estimated attendees rate and purchased my space accordingly. There is no reason to increase square footage if the same or fewer attendees are going to show up.
So when you are designing your next exhibit or choosing your exhibit space, factor in the other ways you can generate success and market your brand without paying out your nose on floor space. Some of these other efforts can pay off more in the long run and allow you a more intimate engagement with your audience.
By: Gretchen Makela –
