1. Establish Your Goals
What do you hope to gain from Commodity Classic? Do you want to obtain new clients? Are you just going for exposure? Do you just want to network with others? Knowing these goals will set you up for success right out of the gate and allow you to determine the right materials, as well as set you in the right direction when planning your booth. In addition, be sure to share these goals with your team members.
Spend some time researching the exhibitors and creating a list of booths that are a must-see, as well as a list of want-to-see booths. With your goals in mind, have your pitch ready for when you visit the booths. Have a clear idea of your intentions and what you hope to gain from the interaction.
2. Let Your Contacts Know You're Going
Be sure to let your clients and or prospective clients know you'll be attending the tradeshow. Send them an email and make a post or two on social media. Include your booth number so they know where to find you. You could also include a meeting link to set up a time with you at the show. Don't just promote once. Send these promotions a couple of weeks before the show and just as the show starts to stay top of mind.
3. Set Meetings
How often do you get to meet these clients in person? This is an opportunity to talk in person with clients who may always be virtual. Whether it's a potential client or a long-term client, take the time and meet them in person. Offer to meet them at your booth or theirs if they have one or somewhere else convenient for them. Some clients may want to step away from their booth so they don’t feel interrupted during your conversation. If you’re only going to the show as an attendee with limited time at the show, setting up meetings will help you use your time efficiently.
4. Utilize Printed Materials
Leave potential clients with value through printed materials. These items should allow clients to understand what your business does and what the overall solution is that you’re providing. Ensure these materials have clear and concise messaging that follows your company’s branding.
5. Offer Giveaways
Bring promotional products to giveaway. Allow people to enter a raffle with their business, name, and contact information for you to draw from later. This not only allows you to do a giveaway, but it will also allow you to gain contact information that you can follow up with later. Giveaway gift cards, coolers, electronics, items with your logo,’’ etc.
6. Social Media
Post on social media while you’re at the tradeshow. Go live, make a post or a reel. Let people know where you are, how to find you, and why they should come to your booth or meet up with you. Social media is a great outlet to post about your giveaway. Your team worked hard to plan a booth, so show it off to those who follow you. You never know, someone who follows you might be at the show, and you can meet up and gain another contact.
7. Follow Up
If you had a potential client provide you with their contact information, send them an email a few days after the show. Let them know you had a great time talking with them and see if your services are needed. If you met with a client you already work with, just follow up and thank them for their time. It may seem simple but following up is another way to stay top of mind.
Fun things to do while in Orlando, Florida:
If you have some free time before or after the show, there are a lot of great things to do in Orlando.
Outdoor Activities:
- Airboat Rides
- Kayaking
- Boat Tours
- Fishing
- Ziplining
- Golfing
- The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens
Indoor Activities:
- Go Carts
- Escape Rooms
- Museum of Illusions
- Sea Life Orlando Aquarium
- Indoor Skydiving
And of course, the theme parks:
- Walt Disney World
- Universal Studios Florida
- Sea World
Meet up with AgHires at Booth #2542 at Commodity Classic in Orlando, Florida March 9-11, 2023. Or book a meeting with us at the show! Hiring can be tough, but AgHires is here to help you attract and find THE hire for your farm or agribusiness. We have an extensive network to help with everything from job advertising to full-service recruiting for your ag professional-level and executive-level positions. Contact us today to get started showcasing your agribusiness.
