How to Exhibit at a Wedding Show – Our Top Tips
Get ready prior
Draw up a checklist of what you’re taking for your display and use suitable trollies or even suitcases to manoeuvre your equipment, as you don’t want any breakages. Pack your transport the day or night prior if possible; you’ll get a better night’s sleep if it’s all done and off your mind.
Promote you and your business
Wedding shows are your shop window for the day. There’s nothing worse for us as the Show organisers than discovering on the day, that a business exhibiting with us has numerous other related services that they offer but don’t show. You don’t have to bring your entire workshop or premises to show couples that you offer several different elements, but you should at least detail it on your stand/in your display and most definitely on business cards or marketing materials. You may only get one shot to chat to them so your materials are essential.
Tell people you are going to be at the Wedding Show and Where it will be and dont forget the date!
Use social media and invite your own client database as well. Continue to promote the show all the way up to the day.
Look the part
First impressions on you as the exhibitor are as important as how your stand looks, branded garments always look very professional or keep it simple with smart attire and a name badge. Comfortable shoes always a good idea as you will be standing for many hours. Always avoid sitting behind your stand, stand in front and greet people as they approach.
Show information
You will have received lots of details from the Wedding Show organiser about the day please ensure you check incase anything is missing. Did you tell them you require an electrical point? Any electrical appliance used should be PAT-tested with the conformity date sticker attached and remember to carry copies of any insurance certificates relevant to your business.
Please do not encroach on your neighbouring exhibitor – stay within the stand size you have booked and paid for.
Social media
Remember to tell your own audience of followers where you’ll be exhibiting and when, plus take pictures of your display (or teasers if you’re trying to entice some along) and share them on social media – it’s free after all. Re-post details of the event from the organisers regularly, as if you’re counting down until the event; it shows you’re keen and excited to be there plus will help footfall. most couples look for a business on social media before they look for their website, so a presence is essential. Find your fellow suppliers and tag them at the event or comment at the end that it was lovely to meet them. This also helps with recommending one another and networking opportunities.
Business cards/flyers
First impressions count – if you are having flyers made go for a double sided flyer its more promotion and branding for your business. The purpose is to draw attention and entice the recipients to go online and find out more about you/what you do. So have one message on each side of the flyer – even put a show promotion so you can track response. Not everyone books on the day, it can take several months whilst they look at their options and make up their minds.
Make sure you bring enough flyers and business cards as some shows can be busier than others and you dont want to get caught out.
Role reversal
What would you like to see if you were the couple approaching a business? Initially it’s YOU, the supplier, that will attract them, possibly before your display even catches their eye. Be smiley, but not pushy, let them look, don’t pounce, don’t fold/cross your arms and pace about in front of your display, just relax and let them come to you. Plus watch other exhibitors and what they do or say for tips and pointers.
Promote you and your business
Wedding shows are your shop window for the day. There’s nothing worse for us as the show organisers than discovering on the day, that a business exhibiting with us has numerous other related services that they offer but don’t show. You don’t have to bring your entire workshop or premises to show couples that you offer several different elements, but you should at least detail it on your stand/in your display and most definitely on business cards or marketing materials. You may only get one shot to chat to them so your materials are essential.
Freebies and giveaways
We all like a giveaway, sample or freebie? Couples will often return to someone who’s provided a sample of sorts. It’s not always possible or relevant with all categories of suppliers, but even if you don’t provide something edible or demonstrate your magic skills on the day, let them leave with something in their goody bag that will stand out and remind them to revisit what you offer. Special offers are often a great incentive too and help you stand apart from another supplier who provides the same/similar services, so make this clearly visible using a nice display sign at your stand.
Networking
So your stand is all set up and you are ready to welcome Bride and Grooms but you have some time on your hands. Find the coffee station and get mingling with other suppliers. There are such great networking opportunities at shows and we see many suppliers becoming friends over time, recommending one another to couples and venues. Don’t be afraid to approach those of the same category either, you’re all different and offer various prices and options and this will allow you to recommend suppliers to couples which don’t find what they’re looking for with you.
Data capture
Leave a clipboard or secured tablet for couples to provide their details, if they would like more information from you or a quote in the future. Don’t force it upon them and ensure that your Privacy Policy is in line with current GDPR requirements.
Take a break
If you’re exhibiting alone, you’ll need some kind of ‘comfort break’ at some point(s) of the day but leaving your stand can be a worry, not just because of missing potential customers but also if you have anything valuable or ornate on your display. This is where your networking comes into play as your fellow exhibitors either side of you are also likely to need the same too, so look after one another’s stand for five minutes. Ideally, it’s great if you can have someone with you on the day who also knows your business that can cover for these times, but also if you get busy chatting to couples and others are waiting, they can at least take details or keep them chatting until you’re available.
Home time
You’ve been on your feet all day and are thirsty from all the chatting, but don’t be tempted to pack down early. This is a definite ‘sin’ at an event and seen as unprofessional to customers and neighbouring exhibitors. The organisers will definitely not be pleased as you should find it’s in their terms and conditions when you booked the event that you can only leave from a certain time.
If you know in advance that you have to leave a little earlier than planned, it’s best to discuss this with the organisers in advance so they can position you somewhere that won’t cause a problem or disturbance to others. Understandably if it’s an emergency, you may be able to leave your display for the organisers to pack down for you, or at least help make alternative arrangements. Just remember the event has been published and advertised with specific opening/finishing times, so unless the organisers say differently for any reason, you should expect to stay until the end.
If you would like to exhibit at one of the wedding shows hosted by The Event Co then please do get in touch.