Choosing the perfect trade show for your brand in Europe, with hundreds unfolding every month, might seem like navigating a labyrinth. Each trade show brings its unique flavour to the table—targeting specific audiences, catering to certain industries, and attracting a variety of exhibitors. It’s this diversity that makes the selection process feel overwhelming at times. But fear not; the task at hand isn’t as Herculean as it appears.
So, how do you zero in on the trade show that aligns perfectly with your brand’s needs and aspirations? It all boils down to asking yourself the right questions. This approach transforms the daunting task into a structured decision-making process, where considering the availability and benefits of exhibition stand rental becomes part of your planning.
So, before you take the plunge, ask yourself a few simple questions, including the potential impact of an exhibition booth on your trade show success. By following the six key steps outlined below, you will be able to reach a decision that not only meets your brand’s needs but also positions you for greater visibility and impact at your chosen event.
How much of the budget can we allocate for a trade show?
Depending on your budget, you can choose to participate in a particular show. This entails conducting detailed research to determine the financial implications of participating in a particular trade show. Some shows in Europe are massive and renowned worldwide. You may need to shell out big bucks to participate in them. So, it makes sense to know the ‘percentage-wise allocation’ of your budget.
If you’re targeting the European market, there are plenty of local trade shows, occurring quarterly or annually, where an exhibition stand rental could significantly enhance your presence. You might consider joining these to showcase your brand.
Conversely, if your market extends beyond Europe, it’s worth looking into annual international trade shows within your industry hosted in Europe, where opting for a bespoke exhibition stand could provide a strategic advantage.
If you have made up your mind to participate in a particular event, ask yourself if the trade show budget that you have is sufficient to release the project.
What is our objective to participate in a show??
Understanding your precise goals for participating in a trade show is essential. For example, if you want to sell your products, you can zero in on consumer shows. But if you want business tie-ups and to improve your network, you will need to influence purchasers, buyers, wholesalers and so on. So, essentially, you’ll need to focus specifically on trade shows that are exclusively open to business professionals.
Participating in such events with an exhibit crafted by a bespoke exhibition stand builder can make a substantial difference, enabling you to present your brand and offerings in a unique and professional manner that appeals directly to the business audience you’re seeking to influence.
Who are my competitors, and which trade shows are they targeting??
This is one of your biggest cues. Keep a close watch on which shows your competitors are participating in. It’s possible that your competitors have secured substantial funding for participating in trade shows, allowing them to target major exhibitions that require significant budgets for participation.
See if you can secure space for a small exhibition stand rental at these shows to gauge market interest. And, if that’s also not possible, look up shows of the other big or small players in your industry who are planning to participate. You can get participants’ information on the trade show organiser’s website or the official websites of trade shows.
Where to find an authentic list of trade shows industry-wise?
If you want to further zero in your search, go to websites like 10times.com, eventseye.com, and tradefairdates.com to search trade shows industry-wise. On these platforms, you’ll discover a catalogue of trade shows tailored to your industry. From there, you can pinpoint events that align with your resources and objectives, considering factors like attendance, exhibitor costs, and overall prominence.
Once you have filtered a concrete list of trade shows, you need to dive deeper to know their past performance. For example, check the number of visitors and exhibitors along with leads and sales they have captured. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of each event for your objectives. With a strategic investment in shows with your exhibition stand rental, you can gain the best returns for your business.
Is there a market or demand for our business in Europe or outside?
The idea of showcasing your brand with a custom exhibition stand in Europe might sound fantastic. But if there is no target market where your product is in demand, then there is no point in spending a massive budget on trade shows which is scarcely of any use to your business.
You can opt for thorough research data provided by research firms and seek assistance from professionals.
Are we familiar with the city and the venue?
Knowing the city and the legal requirements of its venue can reduce the stress of taking part in a trade show. However, lacking this knowledge might lead to unexpected challenges or last-minute issues, potentially impacting your experience as an exhibitor.
So, once you buy the custom exhibition stand space, seek help from a custom exhibition stand builder. A trade show booth design company that makes the best booths in Europe will have a local presence in European cities and must be well aware of the mandates and trade show guidelines of all the venues.
Wrapping Up:
Picking the right trade show is all about strategy – knowing what you want to achieve, doing your research, and planning everything down to the last detail. Follow these six steps, and you’ll land a trade show that’s just right for your business goals and the audience you’re aiming to impress. The secret sauce to nailing a trade show? It’s all in the prep work, making connections, and keeping those conversations going after the curtains close. So, make sure you select a trade show that doesn’t just match up with what your brand stands for but also gives you the prime stage to showcase your products or services to the right crowd.
About Expo Exhibition Stands:
With 40 years of experience in the exhibition stand industry, Expo Exhibition Stands is an established local player with a strong presence in 7 major European countries such as Germany, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland, Austria and the Netherlands. Our services extend beyond just designing and constructing rental exhibition stands; we also handle the installation and dismantling. But there’s more – we provide logistical support with our own fleet of trucks, ensuring your booth is delivered on time. With minimal reliance on third-party suppliers, we uphold the highest quality standards. We also have the largest online catalogue of bespoke exhibition stand designs in Europe! So you can be assured of finding your perfect match.
With us, every European trade show is an opportunity to outshine the competition.