A professional trade show presenter can be a great investment and one of the best ways to deliver your corporate message, attract attention to your exhibit, and ensure that the show attendees walk away from your booth knowing more than when they first arrived.

Trade show magicians have been a popular trade show attraction since the early 1950s and they continue to be popular to this day.

There are many reasons why trade show magic is popular:

• People love magic, especially when it’s done well by a professional and experienced trade show presenter.
• Magic makes the message memorable. People are much more likely to remember your message and your company when they are given strong visual reference points. Magic has the unique ability to do that.
• Trade show magic is interactive. Trade show attendees are more likely to remember something if they are personally involved.
• A trade show magic presentation takes up a very small footprint within the exhibit. Working in a space as small as 3’x3’, a professional trade show magician can draw dozens (if not hundreds) of prospects to the booth several times an hour.

So how can you find the right presenter for your exhibit?

If you look online, there are literally thousands of magicians to choose from–However, there are only a handful of those who are truly qualified to create a successful trade show program and deliver the results you are looking for i.e. attract a crowd, deliver a targeted sales message, qualify the crowd, and turn the gathered crowd over to your sales force for lead generation.

Here are some points to keep in mind when choosing a trade show magician for your company:

1) Experience

Make sure the performer you are considering has real trade show experience. Most of the magicians you will find online are general or even part time practitioners. You want to find a specialist, a performer who earn his or her living primarily by presenting at trade shows and corporate events.

2) A Track Record In The Trade Show Industry and Real-World References.

How many trade shows has the performer presented? A handful? A dozen? Or hundreds?

When looking for a trade show magician, check their website for references and testimonials and make sure that the performer can back up their claims by providing contact information for those testimonials. Some professional trade show magicians even have video testimonials that you can view.

A website peppered with dozens of corporate logos is no guarantee that the performer actually has worked for these companies. Demand proof.

3) What’s the Client Re-booking Rate?

I have been working trade shows for nearly 30 years and more than 90 percent of my clients re-book me at multiple shows, year after year. Anyone can work for a company once, but see if the talent has worked repeatedly for the same clients.

4) Delivering The Company Message And Qualifying Leads

Even if you are lucky enough to find an expert magician, it isn’t enough. The magician you’re looking to hire must be able to attract a crowd, deliver your company message, and qualify the crowd for your sales team.

There is a big difference between a magician who performs his show with only an occasional mention of the company with a few
“buzz words” thrown in and a magician who has spent considerable time and effort time learning about your company and who can create a customized presentation that is not only entertaining, but also highlights the features and benefits of your company’s products and/or services at the professional level the show attendees are accustomed to.

By following the simple guidelines above, you should be able to find a well qualified trade show magician who can deliver the results you are looking for and help generate business for your sales team.

 

About the Author:

Seth Kramer is a trade show professional who helps companies maximize their trade show experience. He has presented at more than 500 trade shows throughout North America and Europe. www.trafficstoppers.com