May 25, 2013 – “One of the most useful aspects of exhibiting in a tradeshow is being able to speak with consumers one-on-one,” says Heather MacRae, manager of Landscape Ontario’s Expo and Congress tradeshows. “The personable interaction at tradeshows is far more helpful because you are physically there to display and discuss the trade and your product’s usefulness to it.”

Here are some of Heather’s reasons why being a tradeshow exhibitor can be beneficial:

Meet prospective clients. This is a great way to connect with people that are already interested in your trade. Give them advice, show your expertise and hand them a business card or brochure with more information.

Be the trendsetter. Being an exhibitor at a tradeshow is a good opportunity to show everyone what your business is made of. Get creative, inventive and let your display help demonstrate how you are getting ahead of the curve.

Enjoy the opportunity to be featured in major media publications. Tradeshows aggressively pursue media coverage. With an interesting booth, you may catch the eye of a reporter who may want to speak with you about your product or service. Prepare yourself and be ready for potential media coverage. (Yes! — Ed.)

Great way to advertise. The fee of purchasing a booth is a good investment considering the amount of exposure your business will get from the media and guests attending the show. Remember, the more attractive and original your display is, the more views it will receive from guests at the tradeshow and media.

Meet experts in the field. A tradeshow is an opportunity to network with other professionals in your field. Look at them as partners instead of competition, and use the opportunity of the tradeshow to extended your contacts, attract business leads, exchange tasks and complete joint projects.

Start building sales. Going to tradeshows isn’t all about looking pretty; tradeshows are good for building brand awareness and, hopefully, generating sales. Make sure you stock up with marketing materials, brochures and business cards to give to prospective clients, but also find a way to get their contact information to keep them updated with new developments.

Displays in addition to portfolio. Sometimes portfolios just don’t capture the essence of your work, whereas a display is more physical and tangible. Potential clients will be able to see and feel your product, which is always better than a photo or video.