Global Trade Show Management & Business Consulting

Trade Shows continue to be the most important marketing and sales platform

Participating in a trade show as an exhibitor or buyer is a very effective way to connect and network with a very focused and prepared audience.

The decision to become an exhibitor requires more than just filling out an application and sending a check to the organizers for the booth space. Budgeting about $5,000 for a standard 10×10 booth is not all there is. Your participation in a trade show will create expectations of buyers to see you there year after year. If you decide to skip a year or stay away for good, this might lead buyers to believe that you no longer care about the market or are out of business. So, please make sure that you keep these thoughts in mind.

There are many advantages to participate in a trade show. This is your opportunity to create high visibility for your company and products. Utilizing social media and inviting buyers to your booth for networking and product presentations, are just some of the ways to create some pre-show excitement.

Here are some statistics that we have collected at trade shows we manage:

82% of buyers have purchasing authority
89% of attendees are looking for new products
65% or exhibitors believe that face-to-face meetings with buyers create leads and new business opportunities
Buyers spend 2.2 days and 9.5 hours on the show floor
76% of the attendees will definitely or most likely return for the next event

At the end of the day it is critical that your entire organization is vested in the participation in a trade show. Trade shows are a fantastic way of creating new business!

DIRK EBENER, CEO OF GLOBAL CIF, FEATURED ON VOYAGEATL AS AS ONE OF “ATLANTA’S MOST INSPIRING STORIES”

ATLANTA – July 18, 2017 – Global CIF, LLC and Dirk Ebener are featured in the most recent edition of “ATL’S Most Inspiring Stories.”

“To be featured on VoyageATL as one of the most inspiring stories in Atlanta is a very important recognition. It shows me that our community cares about local entrepreneurs and businesses,” said Dirk Ebener, CEO of Global CIF. “Business owners around the world work hard every day to make a difference for their businesses, families, and impacting their communities. To be recognized and featured in an important publication like VoyageATL, is a great recognition.”

Dirk Las Vegas

Trade shows offer unlimited networking opportunities to connect

Attendees from around the world attend trade shows to source products, placing orders, and expanding their network. It is important for you to understand the differences in domestic and international networking techniques and etiquette. Your goal is to get to know people, discuss their business interest and vision, and become the to-go-to person and industry expert. Provide industry referrals and introductions on platforms like LinkedIn. It is also important to understand who will attend this event. This allows you to determine if this trade show is the correct business platform for your company. Interested in learning more about successful trade shows concepts? Connect with us at info@globalcif.com to schedule a call.

Trade show budgets require detailed planning and focus

The cost for exhibit space can account for up to 30% of the overall trade show expenses. Some shows provide early-bird, association member, and returning exhibitor discounts. Other important items to include are drayage, booth design, shipping, travel and staff expenses, and services for the installation and dismantling of the booth. Marketing and design of your booth are important and will run up your budget very quickly. Simple displays and great staff are often the way to go. Interested in learning more about successful trade shows concepts? Connect with us at info@globalcif.com to schedule a call.

Trade show follow-up is critical and creates additional opportunities

The majority of leads generated at trade shows will never receive a follow-up call or email. Less than 70% of exhibitors have a plan how to connect with their leads after the show. It is very important to immediately follow up with a personalized email, summarizing the results of the meeting, and introducing the next steps. Interested in learning more about successful trade shows concepts? Connect with us at info@globalcif.com to schedule a call.

The benefits of participating in trade shows

There are many obvious benefits to establishing a presence at one of the many trade shows around the world. Establishing your brand, creating more visibility and credibility, and reaching out to your existing and new customers, are just a few very good reasons why companies should seriously consider participating in trade shows. Buyers participating in trade shows are highly motivated to connect with exhibitors and willing to commit to business decisions right then and there. It is your responsibility to prepare for the trade show, creating trust, and presenting your company as a reliable industry partner. Training your trade show team to be open to different business practices and cultures, introducing your brand without going into overkill, and avoiding annoying sales pitches, will open plenty of opportunities during a trade show. You have three days. Make it work! Interested in learning more about successful trade shows concepts? Connect with us at info@globalcif.com to schedule a call.

About Global CIF
Global CIF is an Atlanta, GA, U.S.A. based trade show management and consulting firm. We have over 20 years of global trade show and consulting experience, reaching an extensive network in over 25 countries and 65 industries. Global CIF provides hands-on business solutions that enable companies to expand their reach. For additional information on Global CIF visit http://www.globalcif.com.

Trade show booths will tell your story

Exhibiting at international trade shows is an excellent way to expand your company’s reach. Working with a local service contractor, who understands your vision of you trade show booth, will eliminate a lot of potential mistakes. The show organizer will be able to connect you with experienced service contractors who have worked with international exhibitors. Make sure that you allow sufficient time for the selection process, as well as discussing different booth proposals, including a turnkey package. Selecting a turnkey package allows you to keep your budget honest and manageable. Keep in mind that there is always a chance for last minute expenses. At least you know your numbers and can make an educated decision if you want to add items. We recommend that you ask for a detailed project timeline, specific dates, deadlines, and call some of the industry references. Keep in mind that overseas businesses work in different time zones, have local and national holidays, and might work on different weekdays. You should request that your point of contact will manage all on-site steps and will be able to assist with last minute needs. It is a very interesting and rewarding experience to work with local service contractor. Interested in learning more about successful global trade shows activities? Connect with us at info@globalcif.com to schedule a call.

Global business etiquette will determine overseas success

As the international marketplace continues to expand, it becomes extremely important for executives, managers, and employees to understand and be trained in all aspects of business etiquette and cross-cultural communications. If you are traveling overseas to corporate meetings or trade shows, you need to familiarize yourself with local and regional business and social customs. You can ruin the business relationship and trust factor within a few seconds. It is critical to understand these business customs and establish trust and respect. It is perfectly fine to hire a coach to train you and your team before you travel overseas. Make sure your future coach knows what he/she is talking about and coaching. Reach out to industry associations, business friends who are already in overseas markets, or a friendly competitor for a referral. Connect with us at info@globalcif.com to schedule a call.

Trade shows overseas offer a very different level of hospitality

Trade shows in Europe and around the world are presenting a very different, unique, and upscale level of hospitality. It is not uncommon for exhibitors to build two-story booths with fully functioning kitchens, serving warm meals, offering alcoholic beverages, hosting high-end stand parties, and creating VIP and “By Invitation Only” areas. Invited buyers and guests are expecting a very high level of hospitality. If you are one of the smaller or first-time exhibitors it is important to offer coffee, water, soft drinks, cookies, or snacks at your booth. It is not a problem for you to buy items locally and take them to your booth. You might want to consider hiring a local student or hostess who can help you with some of the preparations. Interested in learning more about successful trade shows activities? Connect with us at info@globalcif.com to schedule a call.

Trade shows attendees are looking for high-level negotiations and onsite decisions

Trade show buyers participate in events around the world with a very clear mission. They are prepared to make purchasing decisions and in return are expecting exhibitors to network on the very same level. Exhibitors have to make sure that their trade show teams are in a position to successfully network and communicate with international buyers. Keep in mind that many international trade shows do not issue personalized badges. International buyers are expecting high-level negotiations and decision-making authority. Interested in learning more about how trade shows will move your company to the next level? Connect with us at info@globalcif.com to schedule a call.