If you’re lucky enough to host or attend an event in the great outdoors, a pop-up gazebo can be the perfect setup for a garden party, a great way to attract people over at events and an ideal way to protect against any unpredictable weather changes that may occur.

Creating a basic stall or setup is perfectly fit for purpose but if you take the time to go the extra mile and pimp your gazebo with decorations and accessories, you can create an amazing eye-catching scene that will impress at any party or business event.

Be Prepared

For many traders and exhibitors, the trade show really starts long before the day itself. Preparation is key to success.

1. Scope out the competition before you arrive: find out who will be attending and perhaps research the events they’ve attended before.
2. Now you can see what you’re up against and who you would like to network with. This will not only help your business plan its own set-up, but also give you time to email other exhibitors ahead with a friendly hello email and arrange times to meet up.
3. It’s also important to do a stock check of everything you’re planning to take, get organised and check the condition of your stand to ensure you will look professional and presentable.
4. Finally, don’t forget to let your customers know you will be attending via your mailing list and social media channels. This will help to build anticipation and hype around the event and hopefully draw people to your stand from the get-go.

Set the Scene Right

If you attend events and trade shows regularly, investing in good-quality displays and equipment is very worthwhile. If you want to be taken seriously and attract consumers in, you need to look the part.

Branded and printed pop-up gazebos and signage, and even videos, are now part of the standard set-up for exhibitors. Just remember not to go overboard by overdressing your stand, as this could potentially put visitors off. Here are some top tips for setting the scene:

• Choose Quality Over Quantity: Opt for high-quality displays that reflect your brand's value rather than filling your space with numerous low-quality items.
• Consistent Branding: Ensure all elements of your stand, from tablecloths to banners, feature consistent branding and messaging to reinforce brand recognition.
• Lighting Matters: Utilise strategic lighting to highlight key areas of your stand or to create an inviting atmosphere that draws attendees in.
• Functional Layout: Design your space for easy flow and interaction, allowing visitors to move freely and engage with different elements of your display.
• Interactive Displays: Incorporate interactive elements such as touch screens or live product demonstrations to engage visitors and create memorable experiences.
• Clear Signage: Position signage at eye level and make sure it can be read from a distance, clearly directing visitors and conveying your key message.
• Demo Areas: Set aside specific areas for product demonstrations or one-on-one discussions, ensuring these activities don't block the main flow of your booth.
• Accessibility: Make your booth accessible to everyone, considering factors such as aisle width, ramp availability, and the height of tables and displays.

For more information on equipment and supplies for your next trade show, including pop-up gazebos, advertising flags and pop up banners, contact us today.

Dress Up

Standing out from the crowd doesn’t just depend on your stall set-up; what you wear and how you present yourself can also make a huge difference. Whether you want to go all out and dress in costume or just accessorise with matching branded outfits, clothing can really help to set the tone and grab the attention of passers-by…

• Match Brand Colours: Coordinate outfits with your company’s brand colours to create a cohesive look that reinforces brand identity.
• Logo Apparel: Wear shirts, jackets, or hats with your company logo prominently displayed for constant brand exposure.
• Professionalism is Key: Even if opting for a casual look, ensure the attire is professional and clean, representing your brand well.
• Themed Attire: If your brand has a specific theme, consider attire that complements this - such as tech-inspired outfits for a tech company.
• Costumes for Impact: For certain industries or playful brands, costumes can be an effective way to garner attention and break the ice.

Give out Freebies

Think about your businesses, services, products and, most importantly, target customers before you attend. Ask yourself what those customers would like to receive and what you want to say to them. Once you know the answers to these questions, you can start to think about the best freebies that will help show that you’re unique and make you memorable.

Items such as well-designed printed t-shirts, useful tech products, balloons and even fun products such as sunglasses or gadgets can be really enticing. If you really strike gold, your freebies might attract crowds willing to queue for them.

Consider Stunts or Performance Artists

Of course, well-executed stands and memorable freebies will bring visitors in, but if you really want to get creative, stunts can be a fun addition.

Marketing stunts can be surprisingly cheap or even free if your business collaborates with another organisation. Great examples include:

• Exhibitors partnering with zoos to bring small animals to their stands
• Companies collaborating with performers to create flash mobs around the conference centre
• Special dances or songs tailored to your brand.

These examples create lasting memories and help your business to really stand out.

Prep Your Staff

After you have enticed attendees in with all your fancy tricks of the trade, it’s down to staff to keep them and really create a great lasting impression.

No amount of money, glitz or freebies can outdo well-trained and enthusiastic staff. Unprepared staff could ruin all of your other hard work. Worst of all, if visitors have a bad experience or confrontation, your business’s reputation will be damaged, potentially beyond repair. Here are some tips for preparing your staff:

• Thorough Training: Ensure every team member knows your products or services inside out to answer any question confidently.
• Clear Objectives: Set clear goals for the trade show, such as lead generation, sales targets, or networking, so staff have a focused approach.
• Engagement Strategies: Train staff on engagement techniques, like open-ended questions, to encourage conversation and discover what the visitor is interested in.
• Body Language: Encourage positive body language: smiles, eye contact, and an open stance to appear welcoming and attentive.
• Product Demonstrations: Have designated staff members who are skilled at conducting compelling product demonstrations.
• Emergency Procedures: Inform staff about the protocol for emergencies or handling difficult situations and confrontations professionally.
• Break Schedules: Organise a schedule that allows for regular breaks so that staff can stay fresh and alert.

Venture out from Your Stand

Last but not least, if you have trained your staff and trust them, let them escape the ties of your trade stand. Venturing out into the crowds and mingling with attendees could bring in new customers. If people aren’t coming directly to you, it’s time to go to them; don’t sit, wait and waste passing opportunities!

⛺ You might like this guide: How To Set Up An Inviting Market Stall.