Staffing Do's and Don'ts

A Trade Show Displays Tip:

More good information on Trade Show Displays: When selecting a staff for your exhibit displays, you will have to decide whether to go with your own people or hire from a temporary agency. Regardless of which route you choose, remember that you have only seconds to engage a prospective client. Be sure that you have a sufficient number of staffers in order to handle the crowds. Conduct a pre-show training session with your staffers. Make sure every member of your staff is aware of his or her role and function. It is a good idea to have at least one person dedicated to engaging the customers, and another who will conduct the product demo.

Be certain your staffers have familiarized themselves with the products and services that your company offers, and that they have memorized the pitch they will be using. Check in with them as often as possible during the show. It is also a good idea to write a list of objectives for your staff to focus on during the show.

You don't want your staff to ever block the flow of traffic into and out of your booth. Also, remind your staffers not to congregate in clusters. Instead, have them spread out through the booth, so they don't appear to be socializing.

Impress upon your workers the importance of taking every opportunity to engage attendees. Each time someone stops by your booth and takes a brochure or a promo item is a chance to talk to them about your company's products and services.

Have your staff dress appropriately for the venue. Make sure your staffers eat and drink only during their designated break time and never in the exhibit displays! This extends to chewing gum also. Instruct your booth staff to be well groomed and not to wear excessive perfume or cologne.

Keep it professional at all times while working the exhibit displays booth. Always give your undivided attention to customers or potential clients. This means stay off of cell phones during show hours. Impress upon your booth staff the importance of arriving at the show early enough to set up for the day. Most shows will have a set up day before the actual day of the event, but there should be plenty of time to set out whatever literature, promotional items, and other displays you may have. Be sure your staff secures literature and promo items if they leave the booth for any reason. You should consider using portable display cases that are specifically designed to store and secure graphics.

When the show has wrapped up, be sure to reward your hard-working staff for their efforts. You can take the team out for lunch or hold an office party. Be sure to make everyone feel appreciated. You can also set up incentives ahead of time by giving away prizes to those who generate the most leads generated in the exhibit displays booth or achieve some other objective. Remember, your staff members are the key to your success at a trade show, so let them know they are valued.

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