5 benefits of taking part in trade fairs

2. Trade fairs are a way to reach a lot of customers at once

The high numbers of visitors make trade fairs one of the most effective means of communication. With so many existing and potential customers clustered in one location, exhibitors benefit in a number of ways:

• This presents an opportunity to build on existing customer relationships and boost customer loyalty.
• Customer requests often crystallise from dialogue with visitors. This feedback is extremely helpful for improving products and services.
• The high number of potential customers makes trade fairs on of the efficient means of promoting your business with the aim of acquiring new customers.
• Face-to-face contact makes it easier for exhibitors to convince interested parties of their products and services and win new customers.

3. Exhibitors turn product presentations into a customer experience

For most companies, showcasing new products and services is the main benefit of taking part in trade fairs. Presenting products in person can boost sales success in many respects:

• All the senses can be appealed to, so that visitors enjoy an immersive event experience.
• By actively testing products at the trade fair, visitors can see for themselves their functionality and quality.
• As a hands-on expo, Insights-X is the epitome of the product experience. All exhibitors can offer trade visitors workshops on their creative products in the Insights Arena.
• Exhibitors can respond directly to customer queries and requests and impress with their expertise and passion.
• Offering both professional product presentation and hands-on product testing demonstrates a focus on the customer.

4. Companies benefit from attractive trade fair participation offers

One of the reasons companies most frequently give for not participating in trade fairs is the presumed expense involved. But few know that organisers have many attractive offers aimed especially at new exhibitors:

• Check if the organiser is offering an early bird discount – in some cases, you can save by registering well ahead of time.
• Many organisers offer special packages for new exhibitors, such as lower stand prices.
• Apart from the discounts available, first-time exhibitors are usually offered a great deal of support as well. The organiser’s experience, especially in respect of organisational aspects, can be beneficial to a new exhibitor.
• If eligible, take advantage of state-funded programmes for trade fairs at home and abroad.

According to an AUMA study, 22% of exhibitors manage to keep their budget under €10,000 and 7% under €5,000.

5. Companies boost their exports at trade fairs

Participation in international trade fairs is important for export sales. This opens up a multitude of opportunities for exhibitors:

• Participation in overseas trade fairs cranks up exports. Companies need to spend more for the travel costs, but the benefits of an international presence are enormous.
• Trade fairs are an affordable way for small and medium-sized companies in particular to access international markets.

Trade fairs are a unique communication tool that will remain a key element in the marketing mix in the future. You can use the Fair Calculator to estimate your costs and, more importantly, how much could potentially be achieved by taking part in Insights-X.