The last couple of years have seen us turn to technology more than ever before. Things that we previously thought could only be done in person have adapted and many companies have been surprised at just how much can be conducted virtually – events included. Yet while these were undoubtedly a success, it doesn’t mean they need to stay this way. As we make the move back to our offices and work on business plans for the year ahead, you could be forgiven for thinking virtual is here to stay and in-person exhibits are a thing of the past. Don’t be fooled. For while most of our marketing is done online, in-person exhibitions are more important and relevant than ever. Here are seven reasons why your business needs to exhibit…

It can create genuine connections

While there’s no doubting that Zoom meetings and phone calls are effective, nothing can beat the genuine, in-person connection of meeting in real life; where you can shake hands, read body language and have a genuine conversation. A report from Meeting Professionals Internationals (MP) found that after a face to face meeting, 40% of prospects converted to new customers and 95% said that face to face meetings are essential for long-term business relationships. Through exhibiting in person you have the chance to meet with hundreds if not thousands of potential clients and already existing customers, creating genuine connections that can forge much stronger business relationships going forward.

It gives you a chance to wow your clients and new customers

Exhibitions are a fantastic way for you to wow your clients and customers. One of the most popular ways to do this is through an LED video wall. You can use an LED video wall to display information regarding the day ahead, to have as an impressive backdrop when people enter the event and to showcase product or company information. You could choose to have a video floor, curved video wall or something else, immersing and impressive attendees. 

You can learn about new industry developments

With so many people from the same industry in one place, exhibitions are an ideal place to learn about new industry developments that just wouldn’t happen over Skype or a Zoom call. You can speak with competitors, or just see what they are doing and work out how you can adapt your strategy in order to do something better. If there is something new coming to the market that can help your company, an exhibition is also a fantastic way to find out about this. Whether it be a new product or a piece of software, it can be the best way to find out valuable information to help you in the future. 

It can increase your brand awareness 

As a brand, the higher the number of people that know about you, the more website visits you can receive and the higher number of sales you can generate. Exhibits are a fantastic way to increase your brand awareness and can highlight your company to those that might not have heard from you otherwise. During your event, you could also utilise your LED video wall to display social media polls or hashtags. This could encourage attendees to take part and get involved, raising your profile online and getting the word further out there. 

Exhibitions attract large crowds of people

Realistically you won’t get an (effective) online call with more than a dozen or so people. This is because people will talk over each other, get distracted by their own surroundings or the conversation will just head off on a tangent. With an exhibition, there will be so many people you can speak to and introduce your company to that might not have heard about you otherwise. In such a large event, if you make your stall stand out you can also benefit from word of mouth that will have people recommending others there visit you.

You can meet new companies who can help you develop your business

Exhibits are a great way to meet new companies who can help you. It could be you are set up near to a fantastic computer software business, or perhaps someone that manufactures a product like the one you are looking to purchase. Exhibits put everyone together in the same room, giving you a multitude of new business opportunities to potentially benefit and capitalise from. You have many chances to work together, forge exciting new business connections and collaborate.

You have the chance to close deals in person

When you have a meeting with someone over the phone or on Zoom, you are still restricted in when to close the deal. The chances are you won’t close during that call, perhaps not even that day. And this delay can leave much more time for the business deal to fall apart. When you have a meeting in person, such as at an exhibition, you can have the documents with you, ready for them to sign. They are also less likely to be distracted by whatever is happening in their office and can give you more dedicated time to sign and close. 

The above shows just why exhibitions should be a very prominent and important part of your marketing plan for 2022. Give your business the best chance of making new connections, showcasing your innovation and future plans and interacting with existing clients and customers. While we might be in an age where we can speak to anyone from anywhere, nothing can replicate the genuine connection and meaningfulness of an in-person meeting. You will create a lasting impression and have the chance to really impress. To find out more about how we can help with your next exhibition please get in touch with us here at Bigabox today.