Top Tips Before You Turn Up to a Trade Show

Trade shows are a golden opportunity to showcase your brand, connect with clients, and network with industry professionals. But let’s be real - too many exhibitors show up with a well-designed stand (we love to see it!), a stack of brochures, and a bowl of questionably wrapped sweets… and then wonder why no one is talking about them.

Want to make the most of your trade show experience? Here are our top tips to ensure your brand stands out (and gets talked about) long after the event ends.

1. Get Your PR Game On - Early!

If you’re launching a new product, expanding your business, or have an exciting announcement, don’t keep it to yourself! The event’s PR team is actively looking for newsworthy stories to promote so why not make sure yours is one of them?

** Not only talking from experience, we’re shouting about this one! We are always crying out for news and stories from exhibitors!  

What to do:

• Contact the event’s PR team ahead of time and send them a press release or key details about your brand and what you’re showcasing.
• Have high-quality images ready - no blurry or low res product shots, please!
• If you're hosting a demo or launch, make sure the PR team knows so they can help spread the word.

2. Have something worth talking about

Not all news is news. Simply showing up at a trade show isn’t headline worthy - so what makes your brand stand out? Think about the why behind your presence at the event.

What to do:

• Launch something new? Make it clear why it matters.
• Running a live demo or interactive experience? Shout about it!
• Have an industry insight? Offer to speak on a panel or share a unique perspective.

*Most trade shows nowadays have really great talks, insights stages, panel discussions so reach out and see if you can get involved.

3. Engage beyond your stand

Yes, your stand is your base - but don’t just stand behind it like a shop assistant waiting for people to come to you. Trade shows are about engagement!

What to do:

• Use social media to promote your presence - post live updates, tag the event, and use event hashtags.
• Attend networking events, panels, and side sessions. You never know who you’ll meet!
• Don’t just talk - listen. Ask attendees about their challenges and needs. The best connections come from genuine conversations.

4. Don’t just pack up & leave - follow up!

The work doesn’t stop when the trade show ends. You’ve met potential clients, industry contacts, and journalists - now it’s time to turn those conversations into real opportunities.

What to do:

• Send follow-up emails within a few days of the event to keep the conversation going.
• Share event highlights on your website and social channels.
• If you’ve had media coverage, repurpose it for future marketing!

Final Thought

Exhibiting at a trade show is a big investment, so make sure you’re getting the most out of it. Engage with the PR team, build relationships with attendees, and create a buzz around your presence.

Repeat, engage with the PR Team 😊 Free PR is the best PR- don’t let it go to waste!

Need help crafting your PR strategy for an upcoming event? Get in touch - we’d love to help get your brand the attention it deserves!