Staffing an exhibition stand effectively is crucial for maximising the impact and success of your presence at the event. There may be upwards of 1000 different exhibition stands at an event, so staffing is integral to standing out from the crowd and making a real impact. Push Promotions has been providing staff to work on exhibition stands for over 10 years now. We provide staff to exhibitions across the entire UK, for example, at venues such as the Birmingham NEC, London QEII Centre, and Manchester Central. Our staff can work directly for the exhibition itself, individual exhibitors, or the event venue. To read about some of the previous events we have worked on, click the link here.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to staff an exhibition stand:

Set Clear Objectives: 

Before selecting your staff, define clear objectives for your exhibition presence. Determine what you want to achieve from the event, whether it’s generating leads, networking, showcasing products, or increasing brand awareness.

Identify Key Roles:

Determine the key roles needed to manage the exhibition stand effectively, for example:

• Sales Representatives: Engage with visitors, answer questions, and generate leads.
• Product Specialists: Have in-depth knowledge about your products or services to provide detailed information to potential customers.
• Brand Ambassadors: Personify your brand values and engage with visitors to create a positive brand experience.
• Product Demonstrators: Showcase product features or conduct live demonstrations to attract attention.
• Staff Managers: Oversee operations, coordinate staff, and handle any issues that may arise.
• Support Staff: Assist with administrative tasks, logistics, and ensuring the smooth running of the stand.

Select the Right Staff: 

Choose individuals who are enthusiastic, personable, knowledgeable about your offerings, and skilled at engaging with potential customers. Consider their experience, communication skills, and ability to work well in a team. Push Promotions handpick every member of staff for each event to ensure that they have the required skills and experience. We have staff with experience in nearly every industry, for example, gaming, cosmetics, and cars. Additionally, you want them to suit the general vibe and message of your brand.

Provide Training: 

Ensure that all staff members are adequately trained before the exhibition. Train them on product knowledge, key talking points, effective engagement techniques, and how to handle inquiries or objections. Push aims to work with brands to provide a briefing back to exhibition staff before an event. This contains all the information they will need to hit the ground running once the exhibition begins. 

Establish Roles and Responsibilities: 

Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each staff member to avoid confusion. Assign specific tasks based on individual strengths and expertise.

Set Expectations: 

Communicate your expectations regarding behaviour, attire, and performance to your staff. Emphasise the importance of professionalism, friendliness, and proactive engagement. Moreover, consider setting specific goals such as sales targets, customer contact details obtained, leaflets distributed, etc. 

Create a Schedule: 

Develop a schedule that outlines staff shifts and breaks throughout the exhibition. Ensure adequate coverage during peak hours and consider rotating staff to prevent fatigue. Theoretically, you want one member of staff per 5m2 of space. However, this can be amended at busier or quieter points of the exhibition.

Equip Your Staff: 

Provide your staff with the necessary resources and tools to effectively engage with visitors. For example, this may include product samples, marketing materials, lead capture devices, and any technology needed for demonstrations. Furthermore, if staff have edible samples to distribute, make sure they have all the ingredients readily available (to prevent any allergic reactions).

Promote Teamwork: 

Encourage collaboration and teamwork among your staff members. Emphasise the importance of supporting each other and working together to achieve your objectives. The last thing you need is staff quarrelling and bickering on your exhibition stand.

Monitor and Evaluate Performance: 

Regularly assess the performance of your staff during the exhibition. So provide feedback, address any issues or concerns, and recognise outstanding contributions.

Follow Up: 

After the exhibition, follow up with leads generated and gather feedback from your staff regarding their experience. Use this information to improve your approach for future events. For example, what worked well? What didn’t work so well? Which products were most popular? Were there any particularly insightful pieces of customer feedback?

Finally, by following these steps, you can effectively staff your exhibition stand and maximise your success at the event. Get in touch with Push Promotions today to discuss booking our exhibition staff for your next event.