Exhibitions and trade shows can be a great way to meet potential customers, build relationships and put your business in front of a new audience. But with so many companies competing for attention, first impressions matter.
At Ocean Capital Exchange, we regularly attend business networking events and exhibitions. We know how important it is to have professional marketing materials that look the part, communicate what you do and give people a reason to remember you.
That's why we turned to Blue First Printers (opens in a new tab) for our exhibition printing requirements, including business cards, leaflets and roller banners.
Here are three things worth considering when preparing for your next event.
1. Business cards: Still worth having
You might think business cards are becoming redundant in an increasingly digital world, but they're still remarkably useful at exhibitions and networking events.
After meeting dozens of people, it's easy to forget names and conversations. A well-designed business card gives someone a physical reminder of who you are and how to get in touch.
Good business cards don't need to be complicated. Clear contact details, a recognisable logo and a quality finish are often all that's required.
Blue First offers a range of business card printing (opens in a new tab) options, including laminated business cards (opens in a new tab) for businesses looking for a more premium finish.
2. Leaflets: Give people something useful to take away
Not every exhibition conversation leads to an immediate enquiry. Sometimes the person you're speaking to isn't ready to buy, needs to discuss things with a colleague or simply wants more information.
That's where a good leaflet comes in.
For Ocean Capital Exchange, having printed material that explains our foreign exchange and commercial finance services means visitors can take something away and revisit the conversation later.
The trick is not to cram every last detail onto the page. Focus on what your business does, who it helps and why someone should get in touch.
Blue First provides flyer and leaflet printing (opens in a new tab), including A5 flyers (opens in a new tab), which are a practical size for handing out at events.
3. Roller banners: Make your stand visible
You've invested time and money in attending an exhibition. The last thing you want is for visitors to walk straight past because they can't tell who you are or what you do.
A roller banner is a simple way to make your stand more noticeable.
The best designs are usually the simplest: a prominent logo, a short headline and enough information to spark a conversation.
Blue First supplies roller banners (opens in a new tab) with stands and carry cases, making them easy to transport and reuse at future events.
Make everything work together
One thing that's easy to overlook is consistency.
Your banners, leaflets and business cards should all look as though they belong to the same company. Using the same colours, fonts, logo and messaging makes your business more recognisable.
It's also worth thinking about what happens after the exhibition. A QR code directing visitors to a relevant page on your website, for example, can make it easier for them to find out more or submit an enquiry.
Planning your next exhibition?
Whether you're attending your first trade show or you're a regular exhibitor, having the right printed materials can make a real difference to how your business is presented.
We've worked with Blue First for our exhibition printing requirements and are pleased to introduce them to other businesses looking for professional print services.
Visit Blue First Printers (opens in a new tab) to explore their range of business cards, leaflets, roller banners and other printing services.