Top Ten To Do's for After the Trade Show

After all the work of preparing for, and then working at, a trade show it is always tempting to let out a sign of relief and relax.  However, that will have to wait. The after show activities are the what will convert those maybes into actual sales. There are always a number of routine tasks that need attention as well. The following list will help you  make every show as productive as possible.

1. Unpack all merchandise and props, inspect for damage and make the necessary repairs, or replacements. You want everything to be ready for the next show. 
2. Follow up on all promises made at the show.  If you promised to provide additional information or pricing do it immediately after returning home from the show. 
3. Many trade show organizers provide the exhibitors with a listing of show visitors.  If you have access to such a list, plan a program to contact everyone on the list with announcements of new products or other show dates. Keep in touch. Just because they may not be ready to purchase now that doesn't mean they won't be interested in a few weeks or months. 
4. Evaluate your actual results by comparing them to what you had budgeted. Did you meet your goals? 
5. Review your sales by items or category. Were there items that didn't do as well as you expected? Were there some that did better? 
6. If appropriate prepare a brief survey/feedback form and ask some of your key customers to complete it. The object would be to get information on which items are selling well, and if possible find out why these items are particularly attractive to customers. 
7. Record any notes about the show that will be of value to you when making the decision to display in this show in future years. Particularly note and comments by other exhibitors about other shows they have attended and which they found to be the best for them. 
8. Issue a press release about the success you had at the show. Include a picture and send to all local media outlets. 
9.  Include a couple of pictures and a writeup on your website or in your newsletter. 
10. Don't forget to add any new contacts to your social media pages. That will  give you a very economical way to update them on new events and products that you are involved in. 

 Now relax and take a deep breath. It will soon be time to get packed up for the next show.