A trade show is a good opportunity for your company to expand. Whether domestic or international, trade shows allow you to find out whether there is a demand for your services on a national or global level.

A trade show generally occurs twice a year, and there is no commitment to join both events if you simply want to test the water. A trade show investment doesn’t come cheap, so you need to maximize your presence. Here are some ways to do this:

Find ways to be visible. Because competition is stiff in a trade show, promotional items like pens, notepads, flashing pens, stress balls, banners, and fun giveaways will make your brand visible. Hand them out to people who drop by your booth or give them out to those entering the halls. Even if they do not visit your booth during the trade show, promotional items bearing your contact information will make sure you’re within reach should they decided to call or e-mail you.

Select eye-catching giveaways. If you have ever been to a trade show, you would notice that some of the most common promotional items are pens, notepads, key chains, and bookmarks. Set yourself apart by choosing unique giveaways that none of your competitors use.

Demonstrate how your products are used. Allow visitors to try them out firsthand to enable them to understand your product better. You’re most likely to attract a crowd if you hold a demonstration with a guest. Give your trade show visitor promotional items as a thank-you for his participation in your demonstration.

Give out samples of your products. It’s impossible for buyers to cover an entire exhibition, so it helps to give out product samples to those who don’t stop by your booth. Have one of your staff stand near the entrance and give samples to those entering and leaving.

It is very rare that businesses close a deal during a trade show. More often than not, buyers will be asking for product samples, quotes, and other additional information about your business. This may or may not lead to a sale, but consider a trade show as a job interview. You only have a few minutes to make your pitch, so it’s best to make a good impression. Trade show promotional items may not make you clinch the deal, but these imprinted giveaways will make sure your contact information is within arm’s reach when it’s needed.