Welcome, fellow exhibitors, to the ultimate guide on how to transform your sales team into trade show superstars! In this electrifying expedition into the world of salesmanship, we’ll uncover the top creative ways to train your team to engage attendees at your trade show booth with confidence, charisma, and charm. So fasten your seatbelts managers and exhibitors, and let’s embark on this thrilling journey together!

Why train your team for a trade show?

First and foremost, you might ask, “why should I train my employees to work a trade show?” or be thinking, “shouldn’t they already know how to talk to people?” The short answers are you should train them because even if they are outgoing, trade shows may require different skills they haven’t mastered.

Plus, most companies don’t train their staff on trade shows. Most exhibitors I’ve talked to have learned how to work a trade show through years of experience. As such, providing just a little training will put your team ahead of most of the other exhibitors in the room. This equals dollar bills – it is in your best interest to provide some training. Lets get into the meat and potatoes…

1. Role-Playing Workshops: Turning Practice into Performance

Ah, the timeless art of role-playing—where practice meets performance, and hesitation gives way to confidence. In these immersive workshops, your sales team will step into the shoes of attendees and exhibitors alike, honing their skills through hands-on practice and constructive feedback.

Scenario-Based Role-Playing: Create real-world scenarios that simulate common interactions and challenges your team may encounter at the trade show. Whether it’s handling objections, initiating conversations, or delivering product demos, these role-playing exercises provide valuable opportunities for your team to refine their approach and develop effective strategies.

Feedback and Coaching: Provide constructive feedback and coaching to help your team identify areas for improvement and fine-tune their skills. Encourage open dialogue and collaboration, and celebrate successes and breakthroughs along the way. By fostering a supportive and nurturing environment, you’ll empower your team to grow and excel in their roles.

2. Interactive Training Modules: Learning Made Fun

Who says training has to be dull and dreary? With interactive training modules, you can transform learning into a fun and engaging experience that captivates your team and reinforces key concepts in a memorable way.

Gamified Learning Platforms: Gamify the learning experience with interactive platforms that use game mechanics, challenges, and rewards to engage your team and motivate them to learn. Whether it’s a trivia quiz, a role-playing simulation, or a virtual scavenger hunt, these gamified modules make learning fun and memorable.

Microlearning Modules: Break down training content into bite-sized modules that are easy to digest and can be completed in just a few minutes. Whether it’s a quick video tutorial, a interactive quiz, or a scenario-based simulation, these microlearning modules allow your team to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, making training more accessible and convenient.

Lead Capture & Lead Retrieval App: Lead retrieval apps that you can purchase from trade show coordinator are usually difficult to use and they can’t be used at any event, only the one you purchase them at. This makes training your sales and marketing teams difficult. Instead, trade show lead capture apps like Handshook are easy to use, can scan badges, business cards, and more, and work at any networking event or expo.

3. Shadowing Opportunities: Learning from the Pros

There’s no substitute for hands-on experience, and what better way to learn than by shadowing the pros? In these shadowing opportunities, your team will have the chance to observe experienced salespeople in action, gaining valuable insights and inspiration along the way.

Pairing with Experienced Mentors: Pair up inexperienced team members with seasoned salespeople who can serve as mentors and role models. Encourage them to shadow their mentors on the trade show floor, observing their techniques, strategies, and interactions with attendees. By learning from the best, your team will gain invaluable insights and practical tips that they can apply in their own interactions.

Interactive Debriefs: After each shadowing session, facilitate interactive debriefs where team members can share their observations, ask questions, and reflect on their experiences. Encourage open dialogue and constructive feedback, and challenge your team to identify key takeaways and actionable insights that they can apply in their own sales approach.

4. Simulated Trade Show Environments: Practice Makes Perfect

Trade shows can be chaotic and unpredictable, but with simulated environments, your team can prepare for any scenario and approach every interaction with confidence and poise.

Mock Trade Show Booths: Set up mock trade show booths where your team can practice their pitch, demonstrate products, and engage with simulated attendees. Create realistic scenarios and challenges that mimic the hustle and bustle of a real trade show, and provide feedback and guidance to help your team navigate through them successfully.

Peer-to-Peer Feedback: Encourage peer-to-peer feedback and collaboration within your team, where team members can observe each other’s interactions and provide constructive feedback and support. Ask each other about swag just as an attendee would do.  By fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual learning, you’ll empower your team to grow and improve together, driving collective success and achievement.

5. Ongoing Coaching and Support: Investing in Growth

Training doesn’t end after the trade show ends—it’s an ongoing process of growth and development. Provide your team with ongoing coaching and support to help them continuously improve their skills and stay ahead of the curve.

Regular Check-ins and Reviews: Schedule regular check-ins and performance reviews to assess your team’s progress, address any challenges or concerns, and celebrate successes and achievements. Provide constructive feedback and guidance to help your team overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.

Continued Education and Development: Invest in continued education and development opportunities for your team, whether it’s attending industry conferences, participating in workshops and seminars, or pursuing certifications and training programs. By investing in your team’s growth and development, you’ll equip them with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to excel in their roles and drive success for your organization.

In conclusion

Training your team doesn’t have to be difficult. The fact that you are reading this article shows that you understand the importance in training in the first place.  Role-play with your team. Use a universal lead capture app that your team can use at any event. Pair your newer team members with trade show veterans. Simulate your trade show set-up. Coach and support your team members. That’s it!