1

Focus on pre-booked appointments

What are your exhibition goals? Do you want to boost brand awareness, build valuable connections, or highlight a new product or service? Whatever your objectives, wanting to stand out in a busy exhibition hall is key to getting people to your stand.

How do you do this? Set up pre-booked appointments! Ideally, reach out to your existing database around 4-6 weeks before the event. This will help to schedule meetings and qualify leads for your time at the event. Taking this proactive approach before the event will enhance the quality of your leads and discussions you may have at your stand.

2

Create an inviting atmosphere

From flooring to lighting and all in between, it is important that your stand feels open, welcoming, and a true representation of your brand. When booking your stand, consider how much space you’ll want to engage with visitors and the overall atmosphere you want to create. Use in-house rigging teams to support your stand with suspended lights, branding banners, and other hanging graphics, helping you stand out against your competitors.

3

First impression make a difference!

You only get one shot at a first impression, so make it count! Your stand needs to wow visitors and get them excited about your offering – don’t be afraid to go for a bold, unique design. When designing your stand, carefully position your images and graphics so they can be seen from a distance, branding wherever possible as this is what makes you recognisable, so it needs to stand out! Check your exhibitor manual to see any organiser-suggested third-party suppliers that can help make a difference. Also, consider promoting your stand through advertising opportunities offered by the venue or organisers – our Media and Advertising opportunities can give your brand the edge to expand your event presence at every stage of the customer journey.

Whilst on your stand, be inviting and engage with as many visitors as possible, maintaining a strong but approachable presence. Remember to smile (even if it’s been a long day)! 😊

4

Technology is your talking point

Bring your stand to life through technology. Get creative and immerse your visitors in your brand through virtual reality or digital displays, checking with organisers for preferred suppliers and any limitations they may have. With high-quality graphics, you can communicate your message and add the “wow factor” to a visitor’s experience. You could also use technology to collate data and insights – there’s nothing worse than running around for paper and pens to gather details from a prospecting client!

At the NEC we have a huge range of cutting-edge AV equipment so you can let your imagination fly, get creative and add a whole new dimension to your stand’s sound and vision presentations.

5

Create an engaging om-stand experience

When visitors are engaged, they’re more likely to ask questions and connect with you, making your stand more memorable. Consider adding on-stand hospitality options – whether it’s tasty nibbles, coffee or a drinks reception, creative catering can make your stand, stand out. Including interactive elements including “Traffic Generators”, helps create an unforgettable experience that gets people talking and sets your brand apart from the crowd.

Exhibiting with us? Our in-house caterers can help you keep your team fuelled for the day with our Food & Drink Delivery service, pre-set packages that are delivered directly to your stand, at a time that suits you.

6

Planning on the day

So, you’ve completed all the pre-event work, and now the time has come to head to your exhibition! It’s always important to double-check your venue's facilities, you won’t want to carry large boxes and equipment for miles! With our Exhibitor Advantage Parking option, have the flexibility to leave and arrive at a time that suits you. Available for most shows, this option ensures a guaranteed spot at the rear of your event hall meaning easy access to both the event and your vehicle.

If you’re not local to the venue, book a hotel to stay close, so coordination is much easier! With over 2,000 rooms on the NEC campus, we’re sure to have somewhere within every budget for you to get a good night’s sleep.

7

Data capture today, convert tomorrow

It doesn’t matter how you choose to capture data on your stand, but remembering to do so is important for transforming stand interactions into lasting opportunities. Not only does collecting data allow you to maximise your return on investment (ROI) for the event, but helps you identify and qualify leads.

Following up on leads post-exhibition allows for strengthened connections, relationship-building and increased opportunities to convert leads into customers. Don’t worry if it doesn’t convert into a sale straight away, keeping the lead warm and in the sales funnel helps turn conversations into long-term clients and partnerships.