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“Everyone should have a marketing plan of some kind,’’ said Mike Dardano of Buzz Potential in a video on the Expo website in the section “How To Drive People To Your Booth.” “If you don’t, you have to get one. If you don’t have one you’re wasting your time and money.”
The Expo is scheduled for Thursday, March 17, beginning at noon at the Westchester Hilton.
Dardano also said it’s important for exhibitors to have a Unique Selling Proposition at the Expo, and to make sure the marketing efforts fit into the plan. He also said businesses should establish a lead system for the Expo, and have something unique to offer.
“You really want to have something unique to say,’’ Dardano said. “You also want to have that is maybe a show special. Maybe a new product. Otherwise you’re just going to stand there and you’re not going to get what you want out of the show.”
Christina Rae of Buzz Creators said for the day of the event, she encourages businesses to have key members of their team on site. “Nothing beats face-to-face meetings,’’ Rae said. “With everything being so virtual these days, nothing beats sitting across from somebody and explaining your products and services to them.”
Rae encourages pre-planning, and doing a rehearsal of Expo day booth set-up. Businesses should also bring signage and supplies, Rae said, and said raffles can help get business cards and put a spotlight on your business.
“You’re going to need at least three people at your booth at all times,’’ Rae said. “If they have to wait too long to speak with someone, they’re going to walk away and go to the next table. Everyone should have a cohesive look and feel as well.”
Marc Baritz of EagleEye Promotions says exhibitors should also take time to evaluate their presentation afterwards. “Look at what you did right, look at what you did wrong, and think about what you could and will do differently the next time,’’ he said.
To learn more about Exhibitor Resources, click here.
The Expo will kick off at 12 p.m. with Keynote Speaker Lorraine Santoli, former Director of Corporate Synergy at The Walt Disney Company. Exhibitor and Sampler Booths will be open from 1-5 p.m.
Businesses can register as an attendee for the Expo and network with numerous companies, get ideas and find answers to current challenges, expand business opportunities, discover new companies and suppliers, sample food, wine and beverages and network with colleagues and vendors. Tickets can be purchased online for $20 and will be available at the door for $25.
For more information, visit the Expo website at http://www.wbxpo.com/index.php. Businesses can register as an exhibitor online or by contacting Amanda DePalma at adepalma@thebcw.org.
