From planning and designing your booth to training staff, every aspect of your trade show booth experience should be thought out prior to event day. But exhibitors too often overlook the importance of booth staff training, and the results can be dissatisfactory at best. Wondering why? Picture yourself as an attendee entering a trade show booth staffed by people who are unprofessional and way too casual in their behavior. Would you even enter that booth? Or even if you enter, would you stay? That’s why proper grooming and training of anyone representing your company is mandatory.
We are here to help, with some trade show rules of etiquette.
Maintain the right body language
Apart from attractive trade show displays like banner stands and roll-up banner stands, representatives with good body language and hospitality can attract visitors. In fact, your booth staff is the reason why your attendees will either stay or leave. Share these tips with your representatives to make them look approachable and professional.
- Stand up and greet visitors in front of the booth.
- Smile and make eye contact with attendees.
- Use stools if required to create contact at standing eye level.
- Speak with attendees first, colleagues second.
- Sit down only if attendees are willing to sit.
- Do not fidget or lean against the furniture or booth walls.
- Do not cross arms or legs and keep hands out of pockets.
- Thank attendees for their visit.
- Avoid entering another exhibitor’s space.
Deliver correct information
When visitors enter a trade show booth, they are curious about the company and its products and services. That is why training your representatives is crucial. Brief the team about your company, products, and services to ensure they are confident enough to answer all questions. In fact, some exhibitors prepare a script for booth staff so each member delivers a similar message. If you’re planning to do the same, make sure your reps are informed enough to answer unplanned questions.
Engage with attendees
Once staff invites a visitor to your booth, their next step is to engage them and deliver correct information. Wondering how? It’s simple. They must be smart and present something extraordinary when tackling the attendee’s doubts. For instance, they may explain the specifications of your company’s products on touchscreens, besides handing out manuals. Using technology is increasingly common these days and grabs attention quickly. But be sure booth staff is familiar with how to use these devices. Nothing is a bigger turn-off than a staffer you can’t manage a crisis.
Do not eat or drink at the booth
Trade shows usually last an entire day and you can’t starve your staff. That doesn’t mean they should consume foods and drink at the booth, though, as this looks unprofessional. That’s why snacks and juices should be consumed outside the venue. Plus, make sure team members have a lunch schedule so the booth is never left unattended.
Follow a dress code
There are many booths at a trade show so how are you planning to stand out? One of the easiest ways is to implement a dress code that includes branded shirts. That way you not only create a good impression on attendees but also build your brand image without much effort. And don’t forget name tags!
Avoid cell phones
Cell phone use by booth staff should be prohibited as it shows a disinterest in representing your company. You may even want to have a team manager on hand to make that they use the cell phones only during breaks or to attend official calls.
Keep the Booth Clean
Nobody wants to enter a messy trade show booth, so make sure your representatives avoid littering and keep the booth tidy at all times. This not only invites more attendees to your booth but also speaks well of your brand.
Practicing these rules of etiquette can make your trade show booth a more successful experience. Also, always remember to hire representatives from a reputable agency. That way you will save time and energy, and can concentrate on other trade show booth requirements.
