Trade shows provide business owners with the opportunity to show off the products and services that they have to offer and make valuable connections with potential customers. They are held in convention centers and hotels in major cities around the world and are targeted towards almost every major industry. Preparing for your first trade show is a major undertaking, and you should begin to prepare a budget as well as your materials several months in advance. Read on for some tips on how to make your first trade show a success.

Contact Attendees in Advance

Since those attending a trade show generally must pre-register, it may be possible for you to acquire a copy of the attendee list for your trade show. If the show's organizers provide you with a list of attendees, do not hesitate to research the people who plan to attend and reach out to those who you believe may be interested in becoming clients of your business. Keep the initial contact light and informal, and provide information about where your booth will be during the show or the best way to reach you. Don't go for a hard sell right away, since being too aggressive with your sales techniques right from the start could be a turn-off.

Don't Forget Logistics

What types of materials will you be bringing to the trade show? If the show is far away from the town or city where your company is based, you will need to plan a way for all of your materials to reach their final destination intact. Custom shipping cases are a worthwhile investment since they can be any size or shape you choose and will protect even the most fragile items. As your company grows and you make plans to attend other trade shows and industry-related events, you will be able to use the cases again and again. Other important logistics to consider include booking flights (if necessary) well in advance and building time into your schedule for setting up and breaking down your booth.

Give Away Free Stuff

Trade show attendees expect to collect free items, also known as "swag," from booths. Having enticing giveaways is one of the easiest and most effective ways to get potential clients to stop at your booth. Don't hesitate to think outside the box and be creative when it comes to choosing what you will give away. If the trade show will take place during the summer, water bottles or mini fans could be good choices. If, on the other hand, especially cold weather is in the forecast, consider giving out winter hats or cups of hot chocolate. Pens are always a safe choice. Don't forget to brand the items with your company's name and logo!

Good luck with your first trade show! By setting up a booth and having a presence at an industry-related gathering, you will increase your company's brand recognition and make important networking connections. Remember to greet everyone with a friendly smile and firm handshake, and have fun!