If you own a cannabis business, trade shows are a fantastic way to get your name out there. At a cannabis trade show, people from all walks of life gather to network, learn, and connect with innovative brands.
The one struggle with trade shows is that your business will be there alongside hundreds of other businesses. While you can generate a lot of interest at these events, you need to stand out to do so. To help you maximize your business success at your next trade show, here’s how to draw crowds to your booth.
Design An Eye-Catching Display
First impressions are everything on a crowded floor. By designing a visually stunning trade show booth, you can stand out in a sea of competitors and draw attendees in for a closer look.
Don’t just rely on a simple banner. Use lighting to highlight your best products, incorporate living plants to emphasize the natural aspect of cannabis, and keep the layout open and inviting. You want people to feel comfortable stepping in to chat, not blocked off by a table.
Offer High-Quality Swag
People love free stuff. But in the cannabis industry, a cheap plastic pen isn’t going to cut it. To really make an impact, offer branded items that are actually useful to your target audience. Think along the lines of branded rolling papers, high-quality lighters, smell-proof bags, or even durable tote bags. When potential customers use these items later, they’ll be reminded of your brand.
Train Your Staff To Be Experts
Everyone working your booth should be thoroughly trained on your products and your brand story. They should be able to answer technical questions about strains or extraction methods while maintaining a friendly, approachable vibe. A smile and a knowledgeable answer can turn a curious passerby into a loyal investor or customer.
Leverage Social Media Before The Event
Don’t wait until the doors open to start marketing. Use your social media channels to let your followers know exactly where you’ll be. Use the event’s official hashtags, post sneak peeks of your booth setup, and perhaps offer a special incentive for anyone who stops by and mentions your Instagram post. This builds anticipation and helps you start with a ready-made audience from day one.
Have A Follow-Up Strategy Ready
Collecting business cards and scanning badges is great, but it means nothing if you don’t follow up. Before the show even starts, have a plan for how you’ll contact the leads you generate. Whether it’s a personalized email sequence or a direct phone call to potential investors, striking while the iron is hot—usually within 48 hours of the show ending—is key to converting those conversations into contracts.
Start Planning Now
These tips will help you maximize your business success at cannabis trade shows so you can grow your network, increase brand awareness, and boost your sales. This is your chance to make it big, so go big with your preparations!
