This week (April 2-5, 2012), I was in Orlando with RFID Global Solution for RFID Journal Live! This was my fourth event with RFID Global Solution (read about my participation in IBM Pulse in 2012, RFID Journal Live! in 2011, and IBM Pulse in 2011).
RFID Global Solution provides real time asset management software and solutions. At this event, I supervised the booth set-up/tear-down process, presented an interactive pre-show training seminar for our booth staff, and provided on-site sales and marketing support during trade show hours.
The booth set-up took two full days (one day for the construction of the structure and one day to integrate the products and other materials for in-booth demonstrations) and our booth tear down was completed in just a number of hours. There was a team who came to do most of the heavy lifting before and after the event, but I was on-site to supervise and answer questions as they arose.
- This is how our 20x30 booth space looked at the beginning.
Once the booth set-up was complete, we brought our booth staff (about 15 company representatives) together for a pre-show training seminar. I prepared and facilitated this interactive session, teaching participants why RFID Global Solution was exhibiting at RFID Journal Live, company and industry basics (to ensure everyone had the same baseline understanding), tips for engaging attendees, the way in which badge scanners were to be used when qualifying leads, how to best utilize one another to improve their company’s exhibiting results, general scheduling/expectations, and more. This pre-show training seminar allowed adequate time for company representatives to fully understand their responsibilities, clarify any misunderstandings, and become acclimated with the trade show environment. See comments from participants about our pre-show training seminar below.
Finally, it was time for the trade show doors to open and our visitors to arrive. My main responsibilities on-site were to act as a point of contact (“booth captain”) for the trade show team throughout the event, handle any issues as they arose, welcome our guests into the booth, encourage attendees to participate in our activities (IT Asset Challenge, Instant Winner game) and interact with the Name Cloud screen, distribute giveaways, and introduce qualified leads to appropriate company representatives. In addition to this, I was asked to speak on camera for an RFID Global Solution event recap/promotional video, introducing the booth and IT Asset Challenge activity. This event couldn’t have gone better for RFID Global Solution as we surpassed our goals and celebrated a win for Cisco (one of RFID Global Solution’s clients) when they were awarded with the honor of “Best Implementation” (utilizing RFID Global Solution’s offerings)!
- Comments from Pre-Show Training Seminar Participants -
“It was a great way to get everyone up to date with what the goals and expectations are. It gives everyone a chance to ask questions and “be on the same page.” Make sure all the bases are covered and have one central person to go to for ongoing questions or needs. Nice job!!”
- Ted L.
“Helped level set requirements and set expectations. Clarified messaging.”
- Nancy K.
“Assured that all members of team have the same baseline of information needed to handle visitors to the booth. Established clear guidelines relative to manning the booth, booth hours and procedure to follow to take breaks. Feels like people are more responsible for their assignments. Took load off others.”
- Ron R.
“Very informative. Helps motivate and prepare for talking with potential clients.”
- Jennie S.
Robyn Davis - Owner, When I Need Help (WINH)
Robyn helps exhibitors improve their results at conventions and trade shows by providing on-site sales and marketing support, pre-/post-event consulting services, and convenient products. Contact Robyn to discuss your situation today!
