Event and Trade Show Etiquette Tips

​You put a lot of time, money, and energy into preparing your trade show booth. However, what some people fail to realize is that a company’s presence at a trade show or exhibit is only as successful as its presenters allow it to be. Even with the most stunning booth displays and the best “swag,” your company won’t make the most of its presence at the event without polite, knowledgeable, and professional staff members manning the booth. Make sure your employees are aware of the following trade show etiquette tips.

Be Engaged

First and foremost, understand that being present at a trade show booth isn’t the same as being present and engaging with other attendees. Simply standing around or handing out swag isn’t going to get you anywhere.

The representatives you have at your booth should be enthusiastic about what your company has to offer. They should be comfortable standing with excellent posture for extended periods of time and have the confidence to strike up conversations with strangers, maintaining eye contact and a firm handshake. And perhaps most importantly, they should know how to listen. Specifically, booth attendants should do their best to listen 80% of the time and speak only 20%.

Don’t Be Rude

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but your booth attendants might be exhibiting behavior that they don’t even realize is impolite or uncomfortable to others. Something as seemingly harmless as standing with your arms crossed or putting your hands in your pockets could make you appear unapproachable or standoffish.

Furthermore, chewing gum, constantly checking your cell phone, or focusing more on talking to a fellow co-worker than with the other attendees can also be off-putting. Do your best to focus your energy on being polite and attuned to others.

Dress the Part

Finally, while going to a trade show or exhibit may seem like a nice vacation from your everyday work, understand that it’s still a professional event. Therefore, you should dress professionally and be conscious of your appearance. Consider setting a dress code for all attendees from your company ahead of time so as to keep things consistent. Furthermore, have your attendants wear name tags, as this can make them more approachable. And it may seem cliché, but no booth attendant’s appearance is complete without a smile.

Believe it or not, 85% of your company’s success at a trade show is directly linked to your employees’ performance there. Arm your attendees with the etiquette tips they need to make a positive lasting impression.

Infinity Exhibits provides clients with stunning trade show display systems that are budget-conscious, yet don’t compromise on presence or style. Call us when you’re ready to plan out your next display!

Gene Friedman
Live Chat Software