Written by Briquelle Neyens, Skyline Exhibits
It’s time to show attendees that you care about their well being by being attentive and having a plan of action. The world might be ready to get back to business, but that doesn’t mean that some won’t still be hesitant to travel, which includes trading shows and events. Are your exhibit and your staff prepared to make sure that your attendees feel comfortable when engaging with you at your next event? Here are five tips that will help you be as attentive as possible and show attendees that you care.
1.SCHEDULE APPOINTMENTS IN ADVANCE.
Use a scheduling app to create a seamless process that lets customers/prospects pick their appointment time with you in advance of the event. Not only will securing a meeting with top prospects ensure that they’ll take the time to visit your booth, but you’ll also decrease personal contact by allowing them to do it from the safety of their computer or phone before the show.
Allowing your attendees to schedule appointments in advance can decrease unnecessary traffic or lines in your exhibit space during the trade show. This will permit your booth staff to give their attention to other attendees who may not need a sit-down meeting just yet and are simply hoping to engage and get some information about your brand.
2. CLEAN AS FREQUENTLY AS POSSIBLE.
While your show organizer and venue will be doing their best to ensure that the facility is being thoroughly cleaned, it will be your job to keep your booth area clean and disinfected. You may want to delegate cleaning duties to a booth staffer or consider rotating this responsibility throughout your show floor team.
When your attendees see your staff consistently sanitizing, they’ll feel more relaxed when engaging in your booth. For example, if they see a booth staffer cleaning display demo product after each use by an attendee, they may feel more at ease to engage with that product. Also, offering hand sanitiser stations near high touch areas will help keep germs at bay.
For other high touch areas such as tabletops, chairs, and kiosks, you can delegate your trade show staff to disinfect each time a guest walks away and before a new one approaches. Booth guests will take notice and appreciate the extra steps you’re taking for their safety.
3. DESIGN YOUR BOOTH TO ALLOW FOR ADEQUATE DISTANCING.
Making sure that your booth has enough space will put you on the right path to making sure guests feel comfortable throughout their time in your booth.
Wide entryways are a must to allow for a seamless flow in and out of your exhibit. This will also prevent lines from forming at entryways, keeping these areas from clogging up.
If you have a smaller booth, the organization of your product displays, staffers, tables, and kiosks will be crucial. Floor markings and signage will help your guests feel like space is under control and trust that it won’t become overcrowded. Just be sure that your staff is attentive to this to prevent crowding before it occurs.
With an island exhibit, there will be much more room to work with, but it will still be important to guide guests throughout your space, as there will likely be more foot traffic.
4. INCLUDE MULTIPLE SANITISING STATIONS.
Just as we are seeing in stores and restaurants, your convention venue will also likely have plenty of sanitation stations available. However, it won’t hurt to additionally include some of your own in your booth space. Guests will see that you’re taking this step and appreciate it! According to the CDC, be sure that your sanitiser contains at least 60% alcohol.
5. OFFER A HYBRID EVENT OPTION.
At the end of the day, some attendees will feel uncomfortable attending events for some time yet, but still, see the importance in trade shows. In this case, be mindful of their feelings and keep all of these tips in mind. It’s also true that there will be prospects who simply can’t get themselves to attend live events due to company restrictions or other reasons.
It’s possible to respect their wishes while still finding ways to keep them engaged with your upcoming event, and that’s by offering the option of a hybrid event. This alternative option allows guests to still attend virtually and get a similar experience to attending in person.
While attending online can’t replace the in-person aspect of trade shows, the upside is that this will keep your attendance rates up. So whether an attendee is being cautious about COVID-19 health concerns, a company isn’t able to send their full team to a show due to a decreased budget, an attendee who was planning to attend came into contact with COVID-19 before the show, or international travel restrictions are preventing some of your usual attendees from coming, you’ll still be able to interact and engage with them with a hybrid solution. Here are some tips on making your hybrid event a success.
The gears are beginning to turn once again in the trade show world whether some people are comfortable returning to large events or not. Help ease some of this nervousness for your attendees with these five steps that you can implement in your exhibit space.
Find out about the Business Events Grant Program and how Skyline can help you get back to exhibiting! Get in touch today here.
