There are numerous education shows all over the UK - and new ones turn up each year.  So they range from small regional shows, the giant nationals like the Education Show at the NEC, and new-comers.

Hamilton House maintains a regularly updated list of shows that may be of interest to our clients - and executives from Hamilton House often attend the shows, sometimes to observe, sometimes with our own stands, and sometimes as guest speakers.   We have also, on occasion, undertaken the direct marketing on behalf of the big shows such as BETT and the Education Show at the NEC.

We believe that if you are exhibiting at a show you need to be very clear as to the purpose of your attendance - and this clarity of approach needs to be one that allows you to review your performance at the end of the show.

There are numerous issues within a show you need to get right - from the way you write your entry in the show guide, to the lighting that you use.   These are the areas where we help our clients as they prepare for each show.

Additionally we offer some general guidance on shows - such as:

• Beware of new shows - promises of the number of visitors are often over-stated, especially where the show is run by a newspaper or magazine which is unlikely to be using many ways of advertising beyond advertising in its own publication.
• Consider the overall costs before you venture in - not just the cost of the stand, but of your staff, travel expenses, hotel accommodation, etc.
• See your stand as you see your direct mail - as a unique selling proposition.

Exhibiting at shows is best undertaken as an adjunct to other activities.  You should certainly be involved in PR around the show (if not for the rest of the year) and should be involved in telling potential customers that you will be at the show - in order to attract them to your stand.

For more information please call 01536 399 000