188 - 9 Common Trade Show Mistakes that Crush Profits

188 - 9 Common Trade Show Mistakes that Crush Profits

Author: Jim Cermak November 28, 2022 Duration: 13:48
Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events
BusinessEducationEntrepreneurshipHow ToMarketing

There are Common Mistakes that cost companies $$$$ in profits and ROI that I see at nearly every Trade Show. Here are my top 9 mistakes (plus a bonus one):

  1. Not Setting Goals - saying you want to get as many leads as you can is NOT a goal. You have to have goals or you will never find out if your show was a success or not!
  2. Not Training your staff How to Work a Show - many companies train their people on their products, services, what promo item they're giving away and other things. But the difference maker is training them HOW to work a show by engaging with attendees!
  3. Waiting until you get to the show to Fill your Calendar - By the time you get to the show, everyone is bombarded with dinner and meeting opportunities. Don't wait to book that meeting with your top prospects! Do it ahead of time!
  4. Skipping Networking Events - These are HUGE opportunities to make amazing contacts. Don't skip them!
  5. Not Getting out of your Booth and Walking the Show - You are missing out on so much by just staying in your booth.
  6. Not having a Plan to generate traffic if you have a Bad Booth location or when the show is Slow - The show WILL be slow at times, so have a plan to maximize this time!
  7. Having CHEAP giveaways - Invest in quality items. If your giveaway is garbage quality, it will end in the garbage...along with your logo.
  8. Using too much Copy on Banners and Displays - Attendees will NOT read these items. Keep it simple and say only what is your differentiator.
  9. Not having a set Follow-Up Plan - Do this BEFORE the show because when you get back, you spend so much time just catching up with day-to-day work.
  10. Not Allowing enough Time for Tear Down - things not put back correctly or properly will cause you money to purchase new pieces for the next show.

Let me know what mistakes you have made in the past that you have learned from! CONTACT ME

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Jim Cermak hosts Trade Show University for Virtual & Live Events, a deep and practical resource for anyone whose business depends on connecting with an audience, whether on a convention floor or through a screen. This isn't about vague inspiration; it's a working toolkit built from conversations with seasoned experts and Jim's own extensive experience. Each episode functions like a focused seminar, delivering actionable tips and training that exhibitors, marketers, and show planners can apply immediately to see a real difference in their engagement and return on investment. With a library spanning over 220 episodes, the podcast covers the full spectrum of modern event planning-from crafting a compelling virtual booth experience to mastering the logistics and psychology of a live trade show. You'll hear candid discussions on common pitfalls, innovative strategies that are working right now, and breakdowns of what truly moves the needle for businesses. Beyond the audio, the community around this podcast extends into consulting and collaborative training, emphasizing real-world application. For professionals tired of wasting time and budget on events that don't deliver, this series offers a clear path forward, turning every appearance into a measurable success.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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