What to bring to a trade show?

What to bring to a trade show?

Trade shows are crowded. Everyone is shouting for attention, but only a few booths actually pull people in. The trick is being intentional about how you build your space, how you show up, and what you put in people’s hands that makes them want to talk.

1. Start With a Solid Table

Most attendees give a booth 3 seconds (YES, THREE!) before deciding whether to stop or keep walking. Your goal is to make those three seconds count.

• Keep it clean and clear: Tell people exactly who you are and what you do, fast. A clean banner, one or two strong visuals, and a simple message beat a cluttered backdrop every time.

• Lighting matters: Bad lighting makes even great ideas look dull. A small LED strip or spotlight goes a long way.

• Give people room: If your table is buried in stuff, people won’t approach. Keep the front open, the table tidy, and the swag organized. Less is more.

• Bring the “fix-it” box: Tape, scissors, pens, chargers, wipes, Advil, you’ll need it all. 

2. What to Hand Out

Give people something that earns attention, solves a problem, or makes them pause for a second.

Here are excellent giveaway ideas:

Utility

• Pen Scents - Imagine a pen that smells, that’s a conversation waiting to happen.

• The Four Seasons Pen - Luxury feel.

• Floating Key Tag - You will identify every boater with this one.

• Lulu Inspired Keychain - exact knockoff of THIS product - 15% of price.

• Mood Changing and Confetti Cup - Firm Plastic, very good quality, and eye-catching.

• Mini Wipes - Pocket-sized, super practical, and often saved for later.

• Mini Tumbler Ice Cube Mold - Compact, reusable, and useful.

Fun

• Cookie/Chocolate - unique and yum. Food is a universal ice-breaker.

• Mini Football - Quality, fun, and interactive.

• Decision Dice - “What should I do next?” People pick up the dice and talk. It’s a simple but effective conversation starter.

• Mini Taster Sampler Glass or Mini Mason Jar - People LOVE minis, who doesn't?

• Rubiks - Nostalgia wins. A Rubik’s Cube is instantly recognizable and fun to mess with.

A good trade show booth it’s clean, clear, and built for conversation. Your giveaways just need to be intentional and tied to who you are.