Think of a bridal expo as a series of first impressions. When a bride walks into your booth, you have exactly one opportunity to lay the foundation for a positive (and hopefully profitable) relationship. No pressure, right? To maximize your gain and build your business, you need to make every second count. To help you succeed at the show, here are the best tips and tricks of the business. Are you taking notes?
PLAN FAR IN ADVANCE
Our top exhibitors 
have one thing in common: planning. The more you plan, the better off you’ll be. Have you secured flights and hotels early? They sell out fast! Have you ordered giveaways and booth décor? It’s more important than you think. Have you trained your sales team? You get the idea. Create your checklist and get started as soon as possible.
MAKE YOUR BOOTH STAND OUT
Did you know that our first impression of someone forms in only one-tenth of a second? It’s that fast! In order to stand out from the crowd, and get the attention of brides, you’ll want to make your booth unique. We’ll leave the creativity up to you!
GET (INTER)ACTIVE
If just one service or product in your booth is interactive, people are more likely to venture inside. You may want to install a selfie station or try touch screens to display your products. Remember, this is your chance to not just show off your product, but to create a memorable experience.
MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS
If you can, set up early and take some time to explore the grounds before the show begins. This is a great time to pass out business cards, network and find out how other exhibitors are marketing their services and products. Building key relationships can lead to referrals!
USE SOCIAL MEDIA
As soon as you know the dates you’ll be attending the show, begin your marketing plan and let your existing clients know when you’ll be there. Post photos of the show before, during, and after the event across social media platforms, and through a newsletter if you have one. Invite attendees to stop by and make sure to include both your booth number and event hashtag so attendees can easily find you.
BRING FREEBIES…
Promotional giveaways go a long way in extending your brand’s reach and breaking the ice with potential clients. Cute stickers, bookmarks, samples, water bottles, pens, or magnets are a few easy options. Just make sure that whatever you decide to give away has your business and contact information.
