At the initiative of members of the Working Group on Start-ups, Micro, and Small Enterprises, we organized a workshop on effective trade show participation. There are seven key steps for successfully preparing for and executing a trade show appearance, though these steps differ depending on whether we are attending as visitors or as exhibitors. In the workshop, we focused on the exhibitor’s perspective.
To ensure an effective trade show presence, we must carry out proper preparation before arriving at the event. This ranges from identifying the right trade show to seeking out contacts in advance and arranging potential meetings. When analyzing the fair (what it’s like, what halls it has, who’s exhibiting there, etc.), preparation also includes designing the booth, preparing the appropriate materials and exhibits, and ensuring the right staff are on hand.
Working at the booth is interesting but also demanding. It’s necessary to assign tasks to the staff and constantly ensure the booth and team are well-organized. Every trade show has its own rules, which exhibitors must strictly adhere to. After the fair concludes, there remains an analysis of customers and competitors, as well as trends and innovations. The costs incurred must also be reviewed. If the fair met the company’s needs and expectations, a new application for the next edition of the same fair follows.
This was the first joint activity of the Working Group on Start-ups, Micro, and Small Enterprises within the SRIP ACS+ membership. During the meeting, several other current topics of interest to the working group members were identified, which we will address in the coming period.
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Additional information: SRIP ACS+, Erik Blatnik, 01/ 236 17 35, erik.blatnik@acs-giz.si
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The automotive industry in Slovenia generates approximately 10% of the GDP and almost 25% of Slovenian exports (source: SPIRIT Slovenia). All members of SRIP ACS+, including all areas of mobility, contribute more than 17% to Slovenian GDP. Our members generate more than 8 billion euros in annual revenue, most of them operating as tier 1 and 2 suppliers to global vehicle manufacturers. Annually, SRIP ACS+ members receive more than 25% of all awarded innovations of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia originating from the automotive industry.