Planning to use a Custom Tent at the next tradeshow? Check out this list of Do’s and Don’ts

Trade shows are back on the marketing and networking circuit after a hiatus of over two years. Most organizations are already participating in exhibitions and trade fairs to generate new leads, grow their business and overcome any stagnancy that was caused due to COVID-19 restrictions on the movement of people and the larger economy.

As a result of this, the sales of custom canopy tents have gone up in the last few months. More and more enterprises are opting to purchase custom-printed pop-up tents to showcase their business at trade shows and other industry events. This trend makes complete sense as promotional canopy tents are excellent marketing tools, which are used by businesses across industries. The tents provide shade and help keep your material possessions safe. Moreover, a high-quality branded canopy showcasing your logo and advertising content is an attraction in itself as it gives a crisp and organized finish to your business presentation and exhibits your dedication towards planning your business outlook.

However, getting a custom canopy tent is not the end of the planning process for business events. There are a number of other things that you must consider before, during and after the day of the event. There are also a number of aspects that you must avoid or remain cautious about, if you want your participation at a trade show to be a success.

To make your planning further easier, we have devised a list of do’s and don’ts that require your attention while organizing your plans for a trade show event where you intend to use a custom tent.

Let’s take a look at these without delay…

Do’s: For A Trade Show Exhibition Using Custom Tents

1. Before The Event –

1. Assess the venue and make note of the total shaded area that you might require. Place an order for your custom canopy tent accordingly.

1. If you already own a custom tent, ensure that it is adequate for the event. If you need any spare parts, place an order for the same as early as possible.

1. If you are purchasing a new custom-printed pop-up tent, you must also check that your artwork for the canopy has no errors and does not look cheap or unorganized.

1. The printed canopy can be a centerpiece of your trade show presentation, but not the entire presentation itself. Make sure that you add and purchase other marketing products like promotional banners, flags, printed table covers, media walls, etc. as well to design your layout. You must design a layout which uses the custom tent and other promotional items to draw attention to your products or services.
2. Another very significant step that you must implement is to promote your participation at a trade show before the date of the event. Although it is important to get organic leads and spontaneous traffic at a trade show, you must also use other promotional platforms to inform your existing clientele about your presence at a trade show.
3. On The Day of the Event 

1. Organize all products related to your setup at the trade show in advance. Apart from the custom canopy tent, you must also ensure that all necessary spare parts, promotional items and furniture (in case, you’re using it) have been packed. It is also wise to pack a handy tool-kit, so that you’re prepared for unforeseen problems.

1. Make sure that your staff has been trained for the event in advance and are well-prepared and equipped with all the necessary information that needs to be passed on to clients.

1. Maximize your interaction with the visitors at the event. Don’t just stay in the custom tent during the entire event. Spend some time away from your booth talking to people at the venue.
2. Keep a few promotional giveaway products like brochures, business cards and if possible, product samples.
3. After The Event 
4. Follow-up on all leads promptly after the event is over.

Don’ts: For A Trade Show Exhibition Using Custom Tents

1. Before The Event 

1. The first thing to do, before you even start planning for a trade show, is to ensure whether or not you really ought to be participating in it. Do not sign up for an event simply out of habit. It is important to assess beforehand whether a particular event will be beneficial for your business or not.

1. It is prudent to get a branded canopy tent, which makes your business look more presentable. Avoid generic and cheap canopy tents, as they portray that you lack dedication and foresight when it comes to presenting your business.

1. Although a plain but robust custom canopy tent would serve your purpose, it is better to get a custom-printed canopy for business events. However, you must also remember that your promotional content need not necessarily be more in quantity. You must design your canopy layout in a smart and impactful way that clearly conveys your message.

1. Do not ignore assessing the size and scale of the trade show. Making uninformed decisions while planning for such events can lead to a number of problems at the trade show.
2. Avoid having generic goals regarding your business’ participation at a trade show. Define what “success” would mean to you at such an event. This will also help you determine and measure the ROI with regard to your participation at these events.
3. On The Day of the Event 

1. Make sure that your custom canopy tent setup is fully functional and safe for use. Do not assemble a half-erected custom tent.

1. Don’t be late for the event. Ensure that your team is at the venue before time and your promotional canopy tent setup is complete before the event starts. Remember, nothing irks a client more than tardiness.

1. Don’t simply collect business cards in a cardboard box or a fishbowl. Make an effort to know the person leaving his or her contact information with you. Adding a personal touch creates a lasting impact on your potential clients.
2. While you must not disregard premarketing your participation at a trade show, you must also prepare for promoting your participation at an event both during and after an exhibition. Don’t forget to take pictures and videos of your custom tent setup at the event. You can share this on your social media accounts and other promotional platforms. You can also request your customers to share your content for more organic engagement and growth on these platforms.
3. After The Event 
4. Do not procrastinate on following up with the leads. It is understandable that a trade show is a tiring endeavor and it leaves you aching for some relaxation time. However, when it comes to business, it is crucial to strike while the iron is still hot. A faster approach after an event portrays your sense of dedication and duty towards your business. You can also choose to continue this interaction further and follow-up at regular intervals with interested clients.

Custom Canopy Tent: A Stylish and Safe Way to Make Any Trade Show a Success

We have no doubt in stating that custom tents are strong and reliable shades for any business event. In these post pandemic times, it is also important to maintain social distancing as COVID-19 has not been eradicated yet and is still a major concern. Custom canopy tents can be helpful in maintaining social distancing guidelines as well. You can also keep sanitizers and a few extra masks for your clients. Furthermore, if you are expecting a larger crowd and wish to create some distance between your custom tent and your clients, you can choose to add railings to your setup. Once an event gets over, make sure that you pack up your belongings effectively and take all promotional products that can be reused at a later event.

Nevertheless, this list of do’s and don’ts should help you at any and all trade shows and marketing events on your calendar. If you plan well and follow these tips, we are sure that nothing will stop you from turning any trade show into a success story. After all, you never know that your custom canopy tent might serve you so well that you would end up attending more events.

So, get your planning pants on, take your custom canopy tent along and hit the road for your next trade show before long!