You can boost your ROI significantly at your next event. What's our secret formula? It's quite simple: START PLANNING EARLY.
We can't tell you how many of our clients wait until the last minute to start their preparations. If your next event is three months from now, you should be getting ready now. We've all heard the saying, "Time is money." If you use time to your advantage, you can make even more money at your next event.
In the spring of 2011, we studied some of our past projects. We found that many of our clients could have cut their trade show expenses by 25% if they had started preparing for their event just 3-4 months ahead of time. If you reduce your show-related expenses, the end result will be massive increases in your marketing ROI.
Below are some tips to help you realize major savings by preparing for your show 3 or more months in advance:
- Order your exhibit hardware and graphics now. There are several advantages to selecting and purchasing your display a few months in advance, including 1) greater number of exhibits to choose from (longer lead times won't be a concern), 2) no need for rush services, and 3) ground shipping can be used, rather than expedited shipping. Depending on your large your shipment is, using ground shipping alone will save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars.
- Fine-tune your marketing strategy early on. If you've crafted a well-researched, comprehensive, and customer-focused marketing campaign, you'll have a much better post-show outcome. Ordering your pre- and post-show marketing materials early will allow you to produce them for less, and you'll be able to get a head start on your competition, since you'll be building interest in your company at an earlier date.
- Look for "early bird specials." Many event organizers will offer exhibitors discounts if they purchase show services (ex: electricity, booth cleaning, carpet) by a certain date. Read the fine print in your contract to find discounts and cut-off dates, and take advantage of these markdowns. Doing so will save you hundreds of dollars in fees.
- Monitor airfare rates to ensure you book the best deals. Many online airfare quoting tools feature programmable alerts that will notify you when special deals are available. Three months before an event in Las Vegas this past spring, our team was able to find round-trip airfare from Atlanta for $293. Prices shot up just a month later - to $400 or more. By tracking airfare rates closely, we were able to save more than $100 per person. This same principle also applies to hotel room rates; start shopping now to find the best deals.
Don't let time pass you by without taking advantage of any opportunities to save money. Start planning now!
The Displayit team is ready to make your next event a great one. If you're not sure where to start, feel free to contact us. One of our exhibit consultants will be happy to help you.