"Doctor" J.D. Patton talks with a visitor about healthy Web sites.

Armstrong|Shank’s Webstratics group recently participated in the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s KC Biz Live show at Union Station. It was kind of a micro-trade show, with each exhibiting company limited to a 30-inch round table instead of a full booth. Additionally, because the tabletop displays could not be more than 3 feet tall, a bit of creativity was required to stand out.

Our team decided it was time to play doctor and went with a medical theme. We donned white coats, grabbed some clipboards and got down to business. Our message was that we make Web sites a healthy part of an organization’s marketing plan.

By the end of the show we had met tons of new, interesting people, including several potential clients. And, we had great fun doing it.  Trade shows provide great networking opportunities.  Here are few tips for your next trade show experience:

1. Don’t let rules or setting keep you from getting the most out of the event. We had fun coming up with eye-catching strategies that still met the rules. We wanted to use every inch of space we could, while keeping things simple, yet interesting.  The main element of our space was a three-sided sign which highlighted the name “Webstratics.”  The design and unique name were intriguing enough that a number of attendees could not help but walk up and ask what Webstratics is.  For a bit of added attention-grabbing flair, we  topped things off with a flashing red light!
   

   "Doctor" Harrold-Albright listens to a visitor to the Webstratics booth at KC Biz Live

2. Think beyond the booth. We knew that once attendees were near our table, we would be able to engage them, but why confine ourselves to just that space? With two of us at the booth, we had a third “doctor” walk through the crowd, engaging attendees as well as fellow exhibitors.
3. Take it over the top. So, are we really doctors? Of course not. We don’t even play one on TV. But by embracing the theme, we had people coming up to the table just to figure out why we were dressed like characters out of Grey’s Anatomy. By going a bit “out there” with our concept, we became interesting to people and approachable.
4. Be thoughtful about your handouts. Everyone gives out candy at these types of shows, but we wanted to have a bit more fun.  So we took some tiny bottles of M&Ms and re-labeled them as “WWWs,” the perfect medication for an unhealthy Web strategy.  We also offered attendees a chance to win a free Website Wellness Exam.  By tailoring our handouts and incentives to our service offering, we helped people make a better connection with our brand.  By the end of the show the bartender at the mixer was asking for some Webstratics WWWs.

So, what are some of your trade show tips?  Please comment and share.