Learn insider tips for maximizing success at Expo West from CPG industry legends. Get strategies for engaging attendees with concise pitches, effective booth planning, and networking. Discover post-show follow-up tactics, booth management strategies, and energy preservation techniques. Don't miss out on expert advice and actionable strategies to elevate your trade show adventure!
Prepare thoroughly for Expo West by walking the show beforehand and investing in booth setup services.
Craft a concise and impactful pitch to engage buyers effectively and focus on listening to their needs.
Follow up with personalized emails and unique touches post-show to maintain engagement and stand out.
Deep dives
Preparation and Booth Design
When preparing for Expo West, it is important to walk the show beforehand to familiarize yourself with the layout and booth designs. Attending the show before exhibiting allows you to gain valuable insights and make networking connections. Investing in a company to set up and dismantle your booth can save you time and ensure a professional setup. Planning your samples to ensure freshness is crucial, as fresh and appealing samples attract more attendees. Teasing new products can create buzz and attract press attention. Additionally, consider attending educational events and volunteering at the show before exhibiting to learn and gain experience. Be sure to protect your energy and engage with everyone who visits your booth, as each interaction can lead to valuable connections.
Engaging with Buyers and Creating Memorable Pitches
Engaging with buyers is a key focus during Expo West. Having a quick and impactful 10-second pitch can grab their attention amidst the overwhelming number of booths. Exhibitors should approach buyers with a helpful and informative attitude without being overly salesy. Creating memorable pitches and being confident in your brand can leave a lasting impression. It is important to listen and ask questions to understand buyer needs and preferences. Samples should be continuously refreshed for freshness and appeal, and having material showcasing proven sales and retailers can instill confidence in potential buyers. Finally, following up with attendees after the show, with personalized and thoughtful emails, can help solidify connections made during Expo West.
Tips for Post-Show Follow-Up and Networking
Following up with leads after Expo West is crucial for building long-term relationships. It is recommended to wait a couple of weeks before reaching out to allow attendees to process the overwhelming amount of information received during the show. Sending follow-up emails with clear next steps, such as samples, meetings, or connecting with distributors, helps maintain momentum and engagement. Including unique and memorable elements in the emails, such as attaching a photo of a standout booth element, can help jog attendees' memories. Taking detailed notes during conversations and leveraging decoys within your team can help ensure efficient and tailored follow-ups. Additionally, sending hand-written notes or personal touches along with samples can make your brand stand out even more.
Tips for Exhibiting at Trade Shows
When exhibiting at trade shows, it is important to prioritize personal connections and networking. Rather than over-pitching to every visitor, focus on building relationships with potential buyers and distributors. Use business cards and one-sheeters to leave a lasting impression and facilitate follow-up. Design a simple and inviting booth that showcases your brand's identity. Leverage the support of brokers to bring in potential customers and gather valuable feedback.
Maximizing Your Trade Show Experience
During the trade show, make the most of networking opportunities and be proactive in engaging with attendees. Collect business cards, but also ask for email addresses as buyers may not always have cards readily available. Approach buyers with permission, asking about their role or inquiring about the appropriate contact person for their category. Additionally, distributors can play a crucial role in connecting you with the right buyers, so it is important to engage with them as well. After the trade show, focus on efficient and timely follow-up with the contacts you made.
Step into the vibrant world of Expo West in this episode of the Startup CPG podcast where Daniel Scharff is joined by startup CPG sales legends Matt Levine from Chlorophyll Water, Clara Paye from Unite Foods, and Pierre Jamet from Fishwife. Join them as they share insider tips for Expo West - what to do before, during, and after the show to make the most of your opportunity.
From prep hacks to pitch perfection, discover how to wow potential buyers. Master booth setup, keep samples fresh, and ace networking using LinkedIn and CPG Slack. Know the advanced strategies like the "buyer pick 'n roll," stand out in the crowd, and get tips on chasing down a buyer in the aisle.
Whether you're a pro or a rookie, this episode gives you expert advice, anecdotes, and actionable strategies that can elevate your trade show adventure.
Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.
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