If you are feeling defeated after exhibiting did not drum up the conversations and attention that you had hoped for, you’re not alone. Impactful engagement that connects you to clients, collaborators and community does not ‘just happen’.
And I really want you to reach your target audience! You’re amazing and have loads of value to offer (I’m sure).
Here are some tips to make your next stall have impact:
1. Commit to visual pops and brand colours.
In my stall below you can see yellow in the party bags, prompt and info cards, the sunflowers (yes I brought a random vase of artificial flowers from my living room!), the planets, my nails… all to create cohesion.
2. Add height where you can.
Tables and flyers can be flat and boring. I’ve used balloons, boxes, glass jars and menu stands to add layers.
3. Get innovative on-site.
We requested use of menu stands for the display cards in advance from the venue. Quick and easy win.
4. Don’t overlook position and location.
We politely asked to switch tables with the end spot as we needed space, and they said, ‘no probs’
5. Love thy neighbour.
Be courteous and kind, always, to others. Our stall was getting a bit rowdy (can craft ever be rowdy?!) a few times and encroaching on our neighbours so I had to put my hands up and apologise. I’ll make sure this doesn’t happen again.
6. Know who you are trying to reach and have a system for following up.
We took a printout of the attendees to jot down notes next to names to follow up with.
7. Run a hover-able task.
It’s so much easier to build rapport when people are lingering for a while.
8. Encourage them over.
Do not make the assumption that people will hunt you down! Get out and about and warmly encourage visitors.
9. Replenish!
Keep topping up your supplies and keep those bundles slick and neat!
10. Create the photo opp.
Don’t forget to get pics! Grab a quiet moment before the buzz to grab a photo and check the lighting.
Hopefully you can steal an idea or two from this list!
If you are looking for more support on reaching your target audiences, book me in for a free 30 min chat to explore whether I can help you get your message across in impactful ways:
Remember – Your message is worth shouting about, so let’s make sure the right people are close enough to hear it, and curious enough to lean in.
Register interest in exhibiting at the next TecTonic Night Summit here
Lynn Pilkington is an Inclusion and Engagement Consultant who educates and energises people through workshops, speaking engagements and advisory sessions, leaving them confident that they are engaging the audiences that they long to reach. For over a decade, she’s helped organisations across education, tech, and the public sector design cultures where belonging and brave conversations thrive.
An accredited Psychological Safety facilitator and Scottish Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Lynn blends evidence-based methods with people-centred approaches. Named a BIMA 100 ‘Champion for Change’, she brings deep expertise in equalities, participation and storytelling, ensuring everyone has a voice. In 2023, she was appointed by the Scottish Government as Planning, Strategy & Engagement Lead for the Mobility and Access Transport Committee.