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Exhibit show floor location crucial

Posted on 01. Dec, 2008 by p syrek in Tradeshow tips and tiffs

As with almost all tradeshows and conferences, an attendee’s first priority is to attend sessions and second priority is to visit the show floor.   This is fine for the show, but for the exhibiting companies that are spending loads of money for floor sponsorships, this raises concerns.

Now there is no way to change the priorities of attendees and we don’t want to, but before sponsoring a show, or at least sponsoring that 40 ft x 40 ft space, ensure you check out the layout of the show and the promotional strategy the tradeshow has planned to get attendees to the exhibit area.  Attendees should not have to search for the exhibit hall.

I once attended a show where all of the sessions were on the third floor of the conference center and the exhibits were in the basement.  There were no signs leading attendees from sessions to exhibits, there was no promotion and with that, there was no show! There were over 1oo exhibiting companies literally doing nothing for eight hours a day.  On a fun note, I’m not sure how this happened, but someone had a bean bag tossing game.  We arranged tournaments throughout the day as there was no one to talk to.

Some of the best shows I’ve participated in had session right on the exhibit floor.  This was great, as attendees would visit booths before and after sessions and there was a constant buzz around the show floor. 

So once again, make sure you check with your tradeshow/conference rep on layouts and promotion before the event.   NOTE:  If you really want to attend the show but a little concerned on these points, speak with the conference.  I’ve seen, when possible, conferences making some adjustments based on exhibitor’s recommendations.

Tags: booth, challenges, conferences, location, shows, tips, tradeshows, traffic