My company develops hardware/software touchscreen solutions for various verticals. Last year, we signed up for a tradeshow that we attend every year. We have put a significant amount of money down so far. Due to the economy, company executives have since pulled us out of the show, it will cost us 2 to 3 times what we have already paid to complete the show. As of now, if we don’t go, we will eat the cost. Without taking our typical large wooden booth (which would cost 10’s of thousands of dollars to ship and build), what are some creative/inexpensive ways to fill our 20×20 booth and drive more traffic?

###

Jay’s Answer: Instead of trying to sell anything at the show, why not thank your customers for their years of support and get to know them better. Ask questions, find out what people are using/needing. Find out how people are using your products. Find great stories of how your products have saved lives, businesses, etc. Do market research. Perhaps hire some freelance programmers to create some games that show off your touchscreens and let people sit and play. While people are queued up, talk to them.