[We’ve updated this post from the 2017 original, adding in a few new tips and tricks for brilliant event stands]

Corporate events are one of the best ways to get in front of an interested potential customer base. at the same time, you can get a clear idea of the latest trends in your industry.

but what’s the drawback?

Put simply, it’s the competition. You’ll be there; but so will your competitors. because of this, you’ll need to make sure your stand looks phenomenal.

Whether you’re networking and building contacts in a B2B environment or engaging directly with your potential customers at a consumer-facing event, your stall needs to engage passers-by.

To help you draw people in, we’ve put together some of our top tips to drive footfall to your event stand.

Tip 1: Be beautiful

Your event space needs to be inviting. Try putting comfortable seating near the walkway to allow tired feet to rest. If possible, install plugs to allow people to recharge their phones. While they wait for their phone to charge, you’ll be able to get to know them and their business needs.

Browse our furniture for hire here.

Tip 2: Be engaging

Give people something to interact with. At the top end of the cost scale, you might try something like a photobooth. If your budget is a little tighter, give them a competition to enter.

Most event competitions are thinly-veiled mailing list sign ups. To stand out, ask your guests to interact with the stand in some way, like getting them to answer a question about your business that’s answerable by reading your flyers.

Don’t forget to hire a poseur table so people have a place to write their answer down.

Tip 3: Be generous

Free merchandise can be a successful way to get people to your stand. But be careful: sometimes, this strategy can be wasteful or harmful to the environment. Make sure you’re giving something that people actually want. You could stock up on some drinks and tie a tag with your logo and contact information around the bottle’s neck.

Make sure your freebie is related to your business. A branded packet of seeds might work for a business with an eco angle, for instance. Tech companies would be better off with something like a branded portable charger.

But above all, a free sample will be the best option. It doesn’t get more on-brand than that!

Hire a display cabinet to host your freebies in the most beautiful way.

Tip 4: Be timely

If your company is launching a new product or has another exciting activity going on, let attendees know that they’re among the first people to find out! In being privy to new information, it’ll help them feel a stronger connection to your company.

This will also help you to build excitement in the run up to the event. Contact the event organisers: their social media team might agree to share information about your exclusive announcement.

Tip 5:  Be colourful

At large events where stands are packed in closely together, make sure you design your stand with a colour palette that stands out. Think about your banners and backgrounds. Your furniture choices, too, will be key. Our set designers are ready to help you pick a colour scheme and special pieces of furniture to make the most of your event space.

Start by choosing a colourful sofa to hire, and build your palette around your largest piece of furniture.

Tip 6: Be collaborative

Do you have any partner businesses attending the same event? Host your own micro event at your stall and invite representatives from collaborative businesses to sit on a mini panel, or be part of a Q&A. It’s a sure fire way to exercise your influence beyond the confines of your stall – the partner firms will be telling their visitors to come along to your stall to enjoy the micro event.

Give the mini panel an approachable feel by seating your panellists on hired accent chairs.

Tip 7: Be vocal in the run up to the event

Standing out at an event starts weeks before the event itself. Give social media followers a sneak peek of you building your stand, create a mini campaign (give a hint for a freebie, but only release the hint on social media), and always drop your mailing list an email in the run up to the event.

Don’t forget to tag the event producers and use their official hashtag. That will help widen your reach, and they might even share your information above your competitors if you make it super simple for them to do so.

For more tips on furniture to choose for your event, get in touch with our team. They’ll help you assemble the best furniture package for your requirements.