How to Get Attention at a Convention Booth

Attract attention to your convention booth.

If you have a display booth at a convention, you are competing against many, sometimes hundreds, of other booths for the same visitors' attention. Whether you are trying to sell something on the spot, promote a product, organization or business, or pass out information, you must stand out from the rest, so the guests stop and learn what you have to offer. Therefore, when designing a set up for your booth, think about attracting attention so you have lots of opportunities to do what you came to the convention to do -- sell, promote and give out information.

Things You'll Need

• Balloons
• Games
• Attractive attire

Instructions

1. Utilize balloons in your booth, which according to San Diego State University is the best way to get attention. Line the tops of the walls with an attractive balloon display and use helium balloons to place on your tables. To attract families, purchase or rent a helium tank and give balloons away to children.

2. Set up your booth so visitors feel welcome to come in. Ideally, don't put a table at the booth's entrance and sit behind it. However, a table in front can work if you are attracting visitors in another way, such as giving away free samples of an edible product.

3. Invite visitors into your booth to play a game or participate in an activity. A spin wheel with prizes, for example, is a good way to attract attention to your booth. Or, a small putt-putt where a hole-in-one wins a prize also works. If you are selling a central vacuum system, for example, have an area where visitors can test out the vacuum on spilled cereal or sand.

4. Dress attractively and appear well-groomed so you yourself attract attention or at least don't divert attention. If you smoke, remove the cigarette pack from your front pocket. In fact, don't smoke the day of the show and wear recently laundered clothes so you don't smell like smoke. Also, if possible, don't eat in your booth and be sure to brush your teeth or chew on a mint afterward.

5. Be friendly. Smile as guests go by and try to make eye contact. Say hello and ask them how they are doing today. A friendly face helps draw guests into the booth to learn more.

References

• San Diego State University; 7 Ways to Generate Sales from a Trade Show; Martien Eerhart
• Trade Show Help.org; Improve Your Trade Show Booth Traffic...; Dale Obrochta
• New Mexico Wedding Guide: How to Get Attention at Your Booth