Making the Most of AIMExpo presented by Nationwide
Top 5 Tips For Exhibitors
Congrats! As an exhibitor at the AIMExpo presented by Nationwide, your business has taken a fantastic initiative for the future by being a part of the largest powersports expo in North America. With an exciting new move to Las Vegas, as the centerpiece of Powersports Industry Week, you’re going to be a part of something the industry will be buzzing about!
In order to make the most of your time at the show, our team wanted to share a handful of tips to make sure you have a successful show – whether you’re a veteran exhibitor or a fresh face on the showfloor.
1. Launch New Products
The top reason dealers and consumers say they attend AIMExpo presented by Nationwide is to see new products. Attendees want to see the latest and greatest the industry has to offer, and the show was created as a platform to do just that. New products are also a major draw for media outlets who come to the show looking for newsworthy content.
For the first time, AIMExpo presented by Nationwide will be LIVE-streaming selected Exhibitor New Product Presentations, leveraging intros from the showfloor to an online industry audience. In addition to the sizeable contingent of attending media outlets, this gives the powersports world a chance to share in the excitement of seeing brand new products at the moment they are revealed.
Selection for LIVE-streamed Exhibitor New Product Presentations is curated based on their newsworthiness for the media.
If you are interested in taking advantage of this unique opportunity, tell us about your new products and submit your application TODAY!
There are other ways to get seen. If you have a new product, be sure to add it to your exhibitor portal so it gets displayed in your exhibitor listing. Also, let your MIC Events sales contact know. They can offer additional ways to get visibility and support for your new products.
2. Be So Excited That You Just Can’t Hide It
One of the things that really sets a brand apart from another on the showfloor is the effort made leading into the event. The FREE Exhibitor Marketing Tools provides amazing assets to help get you started.
Some examples of quick and easy ways to let your followers and dealers know that you’ll be attending include:
- One month out, put up a cover photo on Facebook and Twitter that includes “See Us At AIMExpo” messaging.
- Send out a press release that lets media know that you’ll be attending the event with new products for them to check out (You can ask for a quote from an AIMExpo team member).
- Do you have a direct connection with your customers? Invite them to attend AIMExpo and save on admission using an exclusive Promo Code we’ll provide for you (valid on Saturday and Sunday only).
- There’s also the Dealer Rebate Program – Don’t forget, we’re offering you $5.00 for every dealer that registers using your custom Dealer Preferred Access code and attends the show. Click here for more details on the rebate.
- Send out a newsletter to either your dealers or consumers, using the copy provided in the Exhibitor Marketing Tools.
Right up there with new products, saving money is a key driver to get attendees to your booth. So, if you have any show specials you’ll be offering be sure to let us know and we will gladly promote it to our dealers on your behalf.
3. Network Like A Champ
Having the industry in one place, at one time for Powersports Industry Week is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of being face-to-face with the people that will not only help you grow your business, but also support you and push you to be better. Las Vegas is the perfect place to take the business talk outside the convention center with an array of entertainment and dining options that fit every price point and interest. If you’re looking for a great place to take your VIP dealer, Speed Vegas is a great option for a thrilling experience for the adrenaline junkies of the powersports industry!
When you’re on the showfloor, one way to get some face time with the media is to try and make an appointment for an editor or journalist to come by your booth. Letting them know you won’t take up much of their time will likely increase your chances of connecting with someone. Make sure to have your elevator-style pitch ready so they can get the necessary information about the product before going deeper.
There’s also the opportunity to connect with other attendees inside the new MotoCulture space. This new lifestyle feature on the showfloor will bring together all of the elements of motorcycle culture and community and is a prime location to grab a coffee or a drink and discuss the business of motorcycling.
Then there’s the thrill and excitement of the Monster Energy Cup supercross race on Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium. Catch some live racing and do some bench racing of your own with exclusive tickets to the industry seating section.
4. Plan or Design A Booth Layout
Whether you have an inline booth, corner, or are on an island, there are plenty of options that can draw in passersby to your booth. We know sometimes resources are limited, but below are some simple suggestions to think about when planning your setup.
Some ideas that have worked in the past include:
- It takes three seconds to walk past a 10×10 booth so make sure your graphics are eye-catching and relevant.
- Having a bar-height table to draw in people in a casual way versus just having a table that you stand behind. This helps avoid sitting back in your booth, which easily disengages with people passing by.
- Can your product be easily tested in the booth? This also draws in customers and dealers to see what your product is all about. They came to touch and feel products – something they can’t do online, so take advantage of that.
- Flooring can make a big difference. Since you have to have it, maybe try and change it up than just the standard carpeting. This can be an eye-catcher.
- With only a few short seconds to entice people to stop at your booth, make sure your team is always smiling and paying attention to what’s going on around them. YOU are what’s going to make them stop!
For additional booth tips, resources and ideas, check out some of the best practices from Exhibitor Magazine.
5. Reach Outside Your Booth With Additional Branding Opportunities
Branding is an amazing way to expand your company’s presence and there’s something for every budget.
- Do you have a new product? Take part in the New Product Showcase. Remember it’s one of the top reasons dealers and consumers attend the show.
- Do you want to be the first and last thing people are thinking about? Check out the available Lobby Billboards.
- Want to ensure you’ll touch every dealer? The Dealer Lanyards have your name on it.
There is something for everyone and it’s your chance to leave an impression on the many AIMExpo presented by Nationwide attendees.
Bonus Tip:
Remember this is the first time AIMExpo presented by Nationwide will be in Las Vegas so Know Before You Go!
Make sure you read the Exhibitor Services Guide for new move-in/move-out procedures and other money-saving deadlines and tips.
