An important factor in making your time, efforts and expenses worthwhile at a trade show is proper selection and training of your booth staff. Here are some tips for being well prepared to work your next trade show. Choose a Leader During the preparation and execution of a trade show engagement, there is usually a leader that emerges as heading up the overall show management. However, this is not always clear-cut in all organizations. Before you assign any staffing, determine who is leading the overall effort, and have that person positioned as such throughout the planning and execution process. This person will be your go-to person at the show and should have a major role in booth staffing, training, and follow-up after the show. Determine Booth Staff Several weeks prior to traveling to the show, you will have decided who is going to staff your exhibit booth at the show. The number of people working your booth depends on how much space you have, whether you have scheduled appointments with clients or prospects during the show, the number of expected attendees at the show and other factors, but the following is a good rule of thumb: 2 booth staffers for the first 10' of booth space + 1 staffer for each additional 10' of space. That equation would work like this: 10x10 space = 2 staff people10x20 space = 3 staff people20x20 space = 4 staff people20x30 space = 5 staff peopleAnd so on. A common mistake is over-staffing your booth, which will intimidate visitors. People are more likely to stop and explore your booth when they are free to look around without being "pounced on" by staff. In addition to knowing who is working the show, you should create a booth staff schedule, giving equal time to all staff people, allow for lunch breaks, appointments, etc. |
