One of the perks of being an exhibitor is that most air show attendees spend an average of 4 to 6 hours at the show. As an exhibitor, you’ll have a constant flow of traffic for most of the day. Here are some tips for making the most of your experience as an exhibitor at an air show.
Come Prepared:
- Arrive Early: It gives you a head start to get ready for the attendee traffic, and helps you find your way around.
- Consider Your Staff: Bring water, and lots of sunscreen for your staff. Air shows are often warm and sunny, staying hydrated and wearing sunscreen will make the event more enjoyable experience. Concessionaires will have food for purchase so having cash on hand for meals and snacks will make the process run smoother.
- Secure Your Exhibit: If you are bringing your tent to the air show, be sure to bring weights to secure it against high winds. Most exhibit spaces are located on concrete, without the ability to use tent stakes. We recommend for each tent pole to have a minimum of 50 pounds.
- Determine Goals Ahead of Time: Set expectations and goals ahead of your arrival on-site. Regardless of setting goals for lead generation, passing out samples or just trying to get your name out; having a plan will help your weekend go smoothly.
- Read Everything: More than likely you’ll receive a packet of information ahead of time and even upon arrival for check-in, READ ALL OF IT! It is highly likely that most of your questions will be answered in that packet or even include some helpful hints or information.
Create an Exhibit Experience:
- Use Professional Signage: Advertise your company with professionally made banners, branded tablecloths and other signage. Homemade signs can leave a bad impression with your potential customers.
- Enthusiastic, Knowledgeable Staff: Welcome air show guests to your exhibit booth, with friendly and outgoing staff. Staff should be engaging with future customers by saying hello, asking questions to inquire which products would be the best fit for them, have knowledge of the product they are offering and creating opportunities for follow up later. Staff that are sitting under tent on their phones, send the message,”I don’t want to talk with you” or “I’m too busy for you”.
- Interactive Activities: You can generate interest in your exhibit by having an interactive game or activity as a draw. Some ideas include: a corn hole game to win giveaways, a hands-on demonstration of your product or even a scavenger hunt throughout the event for a reward.
- Hand out Giveaways: One of the largest draws for your exhibit is going to be your giveaway. The challenge of selecting your giveaway is that there are so many options. Pick one that is both a reflection of your company and is something that is unique or useful either during their stay at the air show or soon after. Some of our favorites include: lip balm, bags: larger plastic ones with handles or reusable shopping bags, large fans on a stick, Mini tools: mini flashlights, mini screwdriver kits, kid-friendly options: coloring, simple toys, aviation related items (planes & rocket ships) ***A note regarding giveaways: some shows have restrictions on what is permitted for giveaways due to contracts with concessionaires, so be sure to check before going ahead.
- Follow Up With Leads: Soon after the event ends, make contact with the leads you worked so hard for. The people that spoke with you at the event are likely to forget you soon after, or worse feel unimpressed by your company because they were really interested in buying your product, but your lack of engagement shows that you might be unreliable.
We can help you get started exhibiting at air shows, just give us a call!