I have received an invitation to participate in a tradeshow/convention for franchise owners of a graphic marketing company in August. The whole experience is a bit overwhelming as I will also be featured in a panel discussion about Virtual Assistants and what we do -- don't worry I'll do us proud.

My question is, if you guys do trade shows or other expos, do you have banners or other types of exhibition materials for your business. If so, what exactly do you use and how much should I expect to spend on production of such materials? This will be my first tradeshow/convention/expo, but I am planning on doing a few more in the future. So I guess I should invest in something that is durable and storeable. Any suggestions?

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com

Public speaking

LOL... I'm sure you'll do great!

I can't exactly vouch for costs, but we have had several banners and signs created for my organization (made by a local friend who is very reasonable). He actually does vinyl decals on a vinyl banner (rather than printing on the banner) and that may be why he's more reasonable, I'm not sure, but they seem to be fairly durable and storeable. I just did a very quick search online and the ones I looked at seemed to be fairly reasonable ($3 - $8 per sq. foot at one site). I guess it depends on how large you'd like it to be and I doubt you'd need a very large one for a tradeshow booth.

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Stephanie
New VA in the research phase :daisy:

Here's a link to the Trade Show Marketing Blog
I'm sure you'll find some useful information there.

Good luck at the trade show!

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Shari Sultana
Online Business Manager (marketing for retail ecommerce)

I wouldn't spend too much on your trade show materials at first. Some of those displays can get very costly. I think for your first show to see how it goes, get a nicer tablecloth for your table in your both, and have a sign or two made at Kinkos. Of course you should make up flyers, brochures and business cards, and it might also be good to have your laptop there with your website pulled up. After you do a few and decide you want to do more, then maybe invest in more materials. I used to do alot of trade shows when I was in sales, and the cost of our booth for the big shows was over $1000 easily. You have to make sure you get good roi from those and follow up on all your leads.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Yvone

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Yvone M. Kon
M.Y. Marketing & Design
Your Virtual Marketing Assistant - At Your Service!
www.mymarketingdesign.com

Make sure you have a way to get business cards from people. Perhaps give away 5 horus of time or something in a drawing. Also, have a goodie bowl that people can take from. Have all of that stuff at the *back* of the booth so they have to come in and get "trapped" for a minute. Don't ever put your table across the entrance to your booth and sit behind it. It creates an automatic barrier between you and whoever you're having a conversation with. Oh, and don't forget to have blank cards for people who forgot/ran out of business cards.

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Amanda Moore
Virtual Assistant
VagabondetteVA Blog

These are GREAT ideas that I would never have thought of.. I have brochures, but I have to get more printed and of course business cards. Its not until August, so I'm trying to budget and get things in increments so it doesn't break me.

I agree a sign or two may be enough for this one. As I mentioned I'll also be featured on a panel which should contribute to good exposure.. Love the idea of giving away a few hours of service as well.

I'm so excited and nervous at the same time about this opportunity.

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Tamika R. Johnson, MBA, Principal
administrative partners, llc
www.administrativepartners.net | http://adminpartners.blogspot.com