About 9 years ago we exhibited at the business start up show at Birmingham's NEC. It was a large show, and we went to town on buying loads of freebies, from pens, whistles (
), umbrellas, baseball caps and enough sweets to kit out the local cornershop. It was an interesting experience, but not really viable to be worth repeating regularly and since then we have just done small local and regional events.
But the time has come to do another major show, so the stand shell is booked, we have power, ropey internet access by the sounds of things, some ideas about creative, pop up banners etc.
But what about the give aways? Nearly 10 years on, have things changed? Do people still give lots of stuff out (or do you expect freebies?). Or is just throw out a few pens and a big jar of sweets?
Any ideas or hints on what would draw people to your stand, or get them to stop as they wonder by trying to avoid getting pounced on and sold to death by every other stand?
Competitions has been a good one in the past after visiting a few trade shows over the years, but it seems everyone does it now. Obviously a good way of collecting business cards, ie drop in the bowl and win an ipod or a marsbar, but be interested to think what other people reckon?
So have you exhibited or been to a trade show recently? Did any particular exhibitor stand out from the crowd, if so why? Anyone seen any eye catching creative that made you look twice or enticed you over? Any hard won gotchas or things that didn't work (don't order thousands of bright yellow whistles, no body wants them!)
Any and all ideas gratefully appreciated 
