Getting your small business into trade shows
If you are unfamiliar with the trade show industry or are worried that your small business will be overtaken by larger, more well-known companies, consider the following tips and tricks for small business success in trade shows.

Volunteer to work in registration. This is a great opportunity to promote your small business at larger trade shows. The people in attendance will see you first as they walk into the show, and it will give you the opportunity to spend individual time with them by meeting and talking with them. This is a good opportunity for you to promote your own company as well. Wear a shirt with your logo on it, and if possible pass out brochures, flyers, pens, pencils, or other information or items with your business information on it.
Place an ad in the event's newsletter. This can be pricey, but purchasing ad space in the event newsletter can really help to promote your small business. Most attendees read the information in the newsletter carefully. In addition, consider offering a special offer for all that attend the convention and visit your booth or table. If the price is out of your budget (as ad space in the bigger conventions can be quite expensive) consider offering your services to assist at the trade show in exchange for space in the newsletter.

Making the most of the trade show
Getting your business in is the easy part. Once you get into the trade show of your choice, you then have the challenge of drawing attendees to your booth and getting them to listen to your spiel about your business. Consider the following tips for making the most of your trade show experience.

Prepare your employees who will be attending. It's important that everyone from your business, even if it's just a few people, be prepared and know what to expect. You may even consider giving them a script to learn, so they can present your business's in a one-minute presentation to those who approach. Make sure they are knowledgeable and prepared to answer all questions that may arise.
Offer refreshments. Oftentimes, the booths that have the food are the ones that attract the most people, since food courts are often in farther away locations. Some soft drinks and cookies or brownies are enough to bring people to your booth and keep them there long enough to talk about your business.

Trade shows can be an excellent way to promote awareness of your small business and its products, drum up future business associations, and sell your product. They key to making your trade show successful is being prepared and knowing how to promote in order to get in.