Special offer

Expo Exhibitor Tips

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Properties, Inc., ABR, GRI, SRES

Have you ever received a call offering booth space at an upcoming expo in your area? Here are a few things to consider if you are purchasing booth space...

 1.) How much is the booth going to cost you?

Paying for the booth space is one of many expenses you will incur in order to have a presence at the expo.  Additional costs may include banners, displays, print material/ literature, prizes, free giveaways, flooring/carpeting for your booth, and utilities (electricity, Wi-Fi, etc...). Create a budget and do your best to stick to it. If you don't plan on doing many expos, don't waste thousands on a booth display.

 

2.) Will your booth be the only one there for your profession or will you have competition at the expo?

If there are going to be other exhibitors there in the same profession, you have to consider if it is worthwhile for you to have a booth. Being the only exhibitor in your profession is more advantageous. If there is more than one booth there for your specialty, that will be additional incentive to make sure your booth looks the best!
 

3.) Who's coming?

What kind of traffic is expected and what age group?  Consider who is attending the expo since that will impact what kind of leads you receive. Is this the first time the expo has come to your city?  If the expo has been around for a few years, you can expect more traffic. Also, who is sponsoring the expo and are they doing a good job of reaching out to the public?  Is it being advertised well?  What other business will be present at the expo? A Home Show may result in more leads than a Women's Expo if you are a real estate agent.

 

4.) Have a plan

How you are going to interact with people and other exhibitors at the expo?

How are you going to keep track of your leads, are you going to have a sign in sheet?

How are you going to manage your giveways? Do you give something to everyone who walks buy or are you going to be more selective? With thousands of people coming past your booth, you will need to have a plan in advance.

 

5.) Make your booth eye catching

Believe it or not, this is a part many people overlook. No one is going to stop by a boring booth. Get creative and take time to plan your booth's layout, colors, and lighting.  You may want to have a drawing for a prize, a face painter, or activity to make your exhibit get attention and stand out from the others.

 

6.) Have a tool kit

Every expo is different and you will need to have a tool kit that will accommodate various types of booths. Hanging supplies, curtain hooks, zip ties, tape, etc... You will quickly realize, your booth doesn't come with much so be prepared to make a quick run to the local hardware store during setup. Be cautious what items you leave at your booth overnight, they may get stolen.  Set aside enough time to get your booth ready for the big day!

 

7.) Are you going solo?

Are you going to man the booth on your own for two days straight or do you plan to have colleagues sign up for shifts and share booth time with you? Having more people pitch in will reduce your cost but that also means you won't receive 100% of all of the leads.

Being an Expo Exhibitor can be time consuming but can really pay off if done properly! Don't forget about other exhibitors, it will give you a chance to network and possibly receive future referrals.

 

Have you had a booth at an expo?  Was it worthwhile?

 

 

 

Comments (1)

Doug Rogers
RE/MAX Coastal Properties - Destin, FL
Your Real Estate Resource!

I've never done an expo for real estate.  Sounds promising though, especially with a strategy like you offer.

Jan 28, 2013 12:30 PM