Small industrial supplier trying to compete against the big boys who have AI robots. Halp
Hey everyone. I work in marketing for a small industrial automation parts supplier out of upstate New York. We've been doing trade shows for years but I've been watching the gap widen between us and the big players and I'm honestly looking for some real feedback from people who've been in the trenches.
Here's our whole speel we sell and repair automation parts. New parts, legacy/obsolete parts, refurbished units. We cover thousands of manufacturers and we're genuinely good at tracking down hard-to-find stuff. Our repair team has a 2-week turnaround with a 2-year warranty. We're not a giant company. We're a real team that picks up the phone.
But at shows, we're standing next to booths where other suppliers have actual AI-powered robots doing demos, massive LED walls, interactive touchscreens, and enough branded swag to fill a storage unit. It's a little humbling.
Here's what we've done so far to level up:
Redid all our backdrop banners and print materials. Fresh look, cleaner messaging.
We're working on some unique raffle items and giveaways that are actually worth keeping. To my bosses dismay he took the message gun to the most recent show and I got a nespresso for the big show we go to next month.
Our freebies right now: branded rubber ducks, pens, and screwdrivers coming soon. Simple but people seem to actually like the duck. Probably gain popularity with the jeep owners.
What I want to know from people who've actually worked trade shows, whether on the vendor side or the attendee side:
What made a small booth actually memorable to you? Not the biggest, not the flashiest. The one you actually remembered.
Does a genuine conversation with a real expert beat a robot demo for your crowd? Or does the wow factor still win?
What giveaways have you actually kept or seen people fight over?
Is there a way to communicate "we'll actually answer the phone when and find your parts" besides our banners and active 2 screens with website running for searching and videos.
Anything you tried that flopped that I should avoid?
I'm genuinely open to being told we're doing it wrong. Our audience is plant managers, engineers, and procurement folks in manufacturing. If you've ever sold to or been one of those people at a show, I'd especially love your take.
Thanks in advance.