Trade show success story?

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Trade show success story?

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bigPhil

posts: 35

Aug 03, 2009 5:13 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Has anyone had any great success at trade shows? There are a couple of shows next spring in the industry I`m trying to get into and I`m wondering if anyone could give me some advice. I hope to have a solid working prototype by then and I was thinking about visiting the shows for networking purposes and holding off on getting a booth.

Any help would be great!

Thanks,

Clay

kathleenfasanella

posts: 104

Aug 04, 2009 7:50 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Clay, I`ve seen at least one of your other posts and I didn`t respond because I have no idea what kind of product it is. Ditto for this one. Generally, you should never launch at a show you`ve never attended.

-------------------------

~Nurture people, not products~
http://www.fashion-incubator.com

bigPhil

posts: 35

Aug 04, 2009 9:16 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks for your reply Kathleen. Yeah, I was just planning on networking and trying to find the right people to talk to first. The type of product is irrelevant at this point. It`s a product for the pet industry. Have you visited any trade shows in the past, or any success licensing to major retailers?

Thanks,

Clay

kathleenfasanella

posts: 104

Aug 04, 2009 9:45 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I would disagree product type is irrelevant. Even within my own industry (sewn products), it matters a great deal. I suppose at this juncture (25+ years) I see more shades of grey.

I`ve attended more tradeshows than I could ever count, it`s an occupational hazard since I review them.

Re: licensing to major retailers...most of my advice is discounted on this forum so I rarely offer it in any detail anymore and for two reasons. First, most people believe what they want to believe and discount that which conflicts with what they`ve envisioned. Second, coupled with the plethora of service suppliers here who have a financial interest in validating innovators, I can`t win. The short answer is, impo, your efforts would be better spent in other activities.

-------------------------

~Nurture people, not products~
http://www.fashion-incubator.com

minimegeology

posts: 143

Aug 06, 2009 1:28 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Clay,

I attended a tradeshow for the first time last winter, Toy Fair. It is huge for the toy industry. What I found (and a friend who is a furniture manufacturer told me that he`s found the same thing) is that people these days go to trade shows to network, so see what`s around but not to buy. I had a few orders but what I learned at the trade show was more where my biggest markets are by who I talked to and who wanted information. I sell rock and mineral kits so we have many avenues we can go.

I wish I had spent more time finding sales reps before I went to the trade show because I think that would have helped to drive more people to the booth or at least people would have heard of us first. It is hard to make your first impression to the world at a busy trade show, especially now.

For your shows, I would look hard at the costs of the show first. If you can do them fair inexpensively (they are close by so you don`t have to fly and ship) then go for it. If they will be a huge amount of money, I`d get out there and sell hard for a year and find yourself some reps and do a few trade magazine ads before attending the trade show.

Pet product? I have dogs. :-)

Tracy

-------------------------

Tracy Barnhart, Owner
Giverny, Inc. / Mini Me Geology
http://www.GivernyOnline.com
http://www.MiniMeGeology.com

bigPhil

posts: 35

Aug 06, 2009 2:45 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Tracy,

Thanks for your response. A speaker that I listened to at an inventor`s network meeting in DC essentially said the same thing. He said that it is a good idea to contact sales reps and meet up with them at trade shows.

The guy was actually a really successful inventor in the toy industry himself. He was the creator of the Furby. Yeah...successful obviously. He said that your industry was difficult and that it was important to build products around the brand. However he did say that especially in the toy industry, it`s almost a must that products are created and marketed under an established brand. Not a brand that an independent inventor created. In other words, Fisher Price introduces such and such product. Buyers want built in brand equity.

Good advice on the trade show though. I plan on going to the mega pet trade show in Orlando and the smaller one in Baltimore next Spring just to network. However, I will "conveniently" have a working prototype with me.

Thanks again for your advice, and great site design for your minimegeology product.

Clay

byrneof01

posts: 230

Sep 04, 2009 10:51 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I think that visiting a show and not getting a booth is the best option. As was mentioned in an earlier post it would be great if you could arrange meetings at the show. I have never found trade shows to be very beneficial. However, when I did not display I actually made some good contacts because I could move around and check out all the booths.

FRTradeshow

posts: 5

Sep 15, 2009 12:47 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Clay-

As other posts have shared, I think visiting the tradeshow would be your best bet. A lot of great networking comes with walking around and talking with those exhibiting. You might even pick up a few leads. Also, it saves you money on the booth cost which can be pricey and can also help you decide if the show would be the best for your product.
On another note, when you have your product ready, exhibiting is a great way to market your product. It is important to find the right show that is why visiting your prospective shows is a great idea!

If you need any additional help or have other questions. Please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to help!

Best,

Christina

markdenis

posts: 12

Oct 02, 2009 4:38 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I am Interested in portable trade show display products that capture the eyes of your intended audience at your next show or event, Exhibé Portable has exactly what you need.

bigPhil

posts: 35

Oct 02, 2009 4:48 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks for your replies everyone. I've heard a lot about going to a trade show for networking purposes. There is a trade show in April that I am trying to get a prototype ready for in case I run into the right person. Thanks again

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