Trade shows are great platforms for businesses to boost their sales, meet new people and exchange ideas for business growth. But, not all trade shows are fruitful for businesses, especially if the exhibitors miss out on some important details about the event. In the absence of proper details, some exhibitors don’t get what they expect and end up wasting their time.

To make the most of your exhibiting experience, it is necessary to ask for information about the event and cross-check the facts before your book your space. Make sure that you ask the following five important questions to your trade show organiser and gather the relevant information you need for a successful event.

Question #1
What type of traffic will I get?
Your purpose for exhibiting is to draw traffic to your booth. However, if the type of visitors attending the event have no interest in your industry or they’re not your target customers, then it is not a lucrative choice for you. Ask the organisers about the type of event traffic. For example, how many people are expected to attend the event, what are their demographics (to determine whether they match your niche or not), what are they looking for, where are they coming from, etc., are some of the questions to ask.

Question #2
How many visitors did you get last year?
The attendance figure of an event from previous years says a lot of things about the popularity and reach of the event. By looking at the number of attendees from last year and accessing their past records you can find out whether the organisers track their past shows and how many professional events they have organised till now. If the organisers fail to provide valid details on the attendance figure, it is a sign that either it is their first event or their event is not popular enough to attract visitors.

Question #3
What are the security measures at the event after hours?
At the event, your booth will be filled with important trade show exhibits. In the absence of adequate security measures, that trade show will become a jackpot for thieves. Don’t forget to ask your show organisers how secured your booth will be after you wrap up for the day, who will watch over your belongings and do they have security cameras installed at the venue. To avoid losing your exhibits, don’t leave expensive electronic accessories and merchandise at the booth unattended. If possible, take them with you after you call it a day. These details are necessary to ask your organiser, especially if it’s a multiple-day event.

Question #4
Who will be your neighbours at the event?
Your booth’s position plays a vital role in attracting visitors. If you’re exhibiting next to a bigger booth with great displays, a celebrity guest appearance and/or highly anticipated activities, then your neighbour might get all the attention at the show. As a result, your small booth will mostly go unnoticed. Therefore, it is wise to inquire about who your neighbours are and then finalize your booth location.

Question #5
What types of benefits are available to the exhibitors?
When you book a space at a trade show, what you expect to get apart from an open space to set up your trade show booth? Is furniture also included? Ask the trade show organisers about the benefits you’re entitled to get along with the booth space. Electrical outlets, extension cords, Wi-Fi availability, access to data and lead trackers are some of the benefits that most organisers offer to the exhibitors. Be clear and ask every relevant detail so that you know what exactly you need to bring to the show.