‘What happens in Vegas – stays in Vegas’. An old saw – made even more famous by silver screen productions such as ‘The Hangover’. For those taking part in Trade Shows, there’s an element of truth to this. Without proper preparation, two things are certainly going to stay in Vegas – the opportunity to grow a sales funnel – and your peace of mind. Exhibit companies Las Vegas are continually offering opportunities to organizations – but those companies are also are well aware that there are plenty of potential pitfalls for those who are attending an event in the city.
Las Vegas is tailor-made for trade shows. There is a huge amount of choice when it comes to accommodation, there are fabulous hosting venues, easy access for delegates from all over the country, world-class entertainment and great dining possibilities. In short, the city is the perfect place to make business connections.
However, the bright lights of Las Vegas – and those distractions available in the city can be overwhelming. Business opportunities can easily be lost in the confusion of neon lights. Those taking part in trade shows in Vegas can be worn down by long hours and a myriad of temptations. The result can be lost opportunities for those who are part of a trade show.
The key to getting the most out of a Vegas trade show is meticulous preparation. So for those who want to see a superior return on investment for their time in Vegas, there are some hints and tips to ensure that the business sees that superior ROI. Let’s take a closer look at what is required.
The first step in the process of getting the most out of a trade show in Vegas is to take a leaf from the Boy Scout playbook – ‘Be Prepared’.
The first step is to peruse the conference or trade show materials prior to arriving in Las Vegas. These materials will allow the attendee and his / her company to enjoy significant savings on accommodation and the various amenities offered by hotels. However, these savings can only be enjoyed with some pre-planning. Arriving at the airport and looking for a deal is going to lead to disappointment. there are also a limited number of seats available to attend certain high-profile networking events. It is essential that places are reserved well before the start date of the trade show.
Those who are exhibiting at the trade show should start planning their participation at least 2 months before the event. A list of sales targets and lead generation focus, when to meet with possible partners and the sessions that are essential should be crystal clear. A participant needs to meticulously plan each minute of their time in Vegas. Time waits for no man (or woman) – make sure that the time in one of the most exciting cities in the world is well used. Some research has shown that companies can expect an average return on investment of around 12% when it comes to their participation at a trade show in Las Vegas – but only if attendees leverage their time correctly – and have a rock-solid strategy to get the most out of that time.
The second way to get the most out of the experience is to bring the best team to attend the event. Make sure that salespeople are familiar with sales targets and the people who can help to achieve those targets. Make sure that they are absolutely professional in their mindset. It is easy to be distracted by the bright lights and temptations of Vegas. A great salesperson will recognize that the trip is business – not pleasure. The company’s future prosperity and reputation rely on a professional mindset.
In short, a trade show in Las Vegas can be an immensely rewarding experience. Connections can be made that supercharge an organizations sales and growth strategy. But without the right people – and without the right preparation, the experience can be a costly one on a number of levels.