At the show, attendees are inundated with gimmicks – from literature bombardment to useless trade show giveaways. Remember, the idea is to get people into your booth space where they can become a potential client, not merely an attendee.

The best activities are those that attract people you want to visit your booth. Create an activity targeted at your client prospects, and promote what it is and how they can win ahead of time. If it’s a drawing, have them answer three simple questions about your product to be eligible. Or, have them fill out a brief questionnaire about their needs before they can qualify to win. Whether it is a drawing or a giveaway, make sure the information you gather will allow you to leave with a qualified lead.

Too often, companies overestimate the effectiveness of literature. Show attendees have been trained to expect literature, and most of it ends up in the trash can. Therefore, what you do hand out should be your less expensive pieces, or pieces made specifically for the show. Instead of simply having a stack of brochures for anyone to pick up, have your booth personnel hand out literature personally. Better yet, get the prospect’s information or business card in exchange for the brochure, so you can follow-up after the show.

8 Tips for TradeShow Giveaways

If handled incorrectly, giveaways can attract crowds too large to give your booth personal time for meaningful interaction or lead collection. But when giveaways are integrated into the entire show strategy, they can reinforce a message, recognize a visitor for stopping at the booth, communicate a specific message, or reward a prospect for participating in a demonstration. Here are some tips for giveways that you may consider:

1. Determine the giveaway’s purpose.

   Understand why you are using a giveaway and what you expect in return before you select your giveaway. an exhibitor should first ask, “What are we trying to accomplish at this trade show? Can a giveaway help improve the communication of our message?”

2. Make the prize specific to your business.

   Personalizing the giveaway with your business name, address and phone number, or selecting and item that only your company can provide, such as one of your own products, can accomplish this step

3. Be selective; avoid being hit-and-run.

Do not hand out giveaways to everyone who passes by. Follow a plan of action. Determine what an attendee needs to do to receive your giveaway (for example, give you their contact information).

4. Keep the giveaways out of sight.

Otherwise, curious hands may grab them before you have a chance to talk to the attendee.

5. An effective giveaway has high-perceived value.

    That does not mean it has to be expensive. It just has to be perceived as valuable by your attendees.

6. Useful gifts are retained.

Useless gifts are given to someone else. You want a gift that recipients hang on to, so it keeps reminding them of your company.

7. Unique is better than expensive.

Find an attractive giveaway that no one else is offering, and you will gain more attendee interest. Again, the trick is to find a creative giveaway that your show audience will value.

8. On the desk is better than in the desk.

It will provide a continuous reminder of you, the exhibitor.

What color is your happy place?

Pantone® has come out with its color pallete for this spring season, and there is a move toward the cooler and softer side of the color spectrum. A mix of colorful brights, pale pastels and nature-like neutrals.

The soft cool hues, blended with subtle warm tones creates a soothing escape from the everyday hustle and bustle.

For me personally, I am in love with the Scuba Blue®. This is a bold but subtle color, and gives a refreshing tropical feel. Glacier Gray® and  Titanium®  are also among my favorites this season. They blend well with both softer and bright color hues.

Color of the year:

Marsala®: Pantone’s pick for this year, this is the big one. Marsala is a timeless shade of red with distinct brown undertones, and was something of a surprise this year. Classy pick, Pantone®!

Marsala for Graphic Design

A rich contrasting color, Marsala is ideal for use in graphic design and packaging. Eye-catching, but not overwhelming or bright, consumers are immediately drawn to the hue, making it an alluring shade at point-of-purchase. As packaging becomes increasingly more artistic, Marsala will be a natural fit for both high- and low-tech materials, including on-shelf periodicals as well as printed assets, like calendars and stationery.

What do you think about Pantone’s color pallet for Spring 2015?  What is your favorite color for 2015?

Let us know what you think below!