Maximizing The Benefits Of Trade Show Season

Running a successful business in the outdoor industry takes a tremendous amount of perseverance, passion, and determination. The outdoor recreation industry is a multi-billion dollar entity where clients can utilize the services of outfitters and guides in order to make the most of their trip. Maintaining and gaining clientele is the driving force for a successful outfit.

The outdoor recreation industry is very competitive. Being able to reach out to potential clients has never been more important. In order to book clients year-in and year-out, outfitters must employ many different marketing tools. In the era of social media, customers can quickly gather information about an outfitter, but might not get the full picture. Oftentimes, clients prefer face-to-face interaction on a trade show floor. Trade shows provide the opportunity to communicate the value of the outfit directly to the client.

A trade show is a gathering of business exhibitors who set up booths that showcase their services over the course of a few days. The main advantage of participating in a trade show, if done properly, is the ability to communicate directly with this customer base. By conversing with attendees of the trade show, an outfitter can openly share the services they provide and the types of experiences to be expected. By having a presence at a trade show, an outfitter can exploit a potential advantage over other competitors.

The trade show season normally runs from mid-winter through the end of summer. This coincides with the “off-season” for the typical hunting outfitter. Outfitters need to do their research in order to weigh their options on the types of trade shows to attend. There are many regional trade shows and expos to take advantage of, ranging from general outdoor industry shows, to more specific fishing and hunting endeavors. Taking advantage of these regional shows can improve the presence of an outfitter in a certain area of the country. Larger shows, where thousands of attendees meet with exhibitors, can also help aid in acquiring new customers. Larger shows have more attendance while smaller shows are more intimate. Essentially, these shows provide a sincere illustration of exactly what an outfitter can provide.

In order to fully benefit from attending any trade show, an outfitter must conduct oneself in the proper manner. The booth must look professional and include all the necessary information about the outfit. Above all, an outfitter must be positively engaged and genuinely excited to meet and greet potential clients. Selling yourself and your business, in an effective and truthful manner, is the most important aspect of the trade show experience. Establishing a connection with the customer and making them understand how your outfit runs is crucial. A connection established at a trade show can expand exponentially by word of mouth, if done correctly. All in all, the ability to sell the business as a first-class outfit will help potential clientele get a clear image about the services it provides. Having a positive encounter at a trade show can really pay dividends for both the outfitter and client.

An online resource for a list of outdoor industry trade shows can be found at 2017 Outdoor Industry Trade Shows For Guides and Outfitters.