Trade shows are invaluable opportunities for fintechs to showcase their products, network with industry peers, and attract new customers. However, for many businesses, the cost of participating in trade shows beyond attending can be prohibitive. Sponsorships can often cost thousands of dollars.
Fortunately, there are low-cost strategies that fintechs can explore (and that we’ve tried!) to increase brand visibility without breaking the bank. And yes, please steal these ideas!
1. Branded Coffee Cup Sleeves: One cost-effective way to increase brand visibility at trade shows is by sponsoring the coffee bar during breaks and investing in branded coffee cup sleeves in place of the standard white or hotel-branded sleeves (be sure to check with the venue or association first!). While sponsoring the coffee bar may be a lower investment compared to other sponsorship opportunities, adding branded coffee cup sleeves can significantly enhance brand exposure. These sleeves typically cost a few hundred bucks but can leave a lasting impression as attendees, exhibitors, and even competitors walk around with cups bearing your logo. It’s a simple yet very effective way to ensure that your brand is seen by a wide audience throughout the event.
2. Co-Sponsoring Events with Other Companies: Another budget-friendly idea is to jointly sponsor an event with other companies in the industry. By sharing the costs of sponsorship, companies can significantly reduce their financial burden while still enjoying increased brand visibility.
Instead of including generic napkins or other promotional items, companies can opt to create branded napkins or napkins with fun facts related to their industry (again, be sure to check with the conference first, as not all events will permit specialized items). These unique and engaging items not only encourage discussions among attendees but also serve as subtle yet effective marketing tools. Branded napkins can cost as low as $.05 per napkin.
3. Interactive and Educational Booth Activities: Finally, companies can maximize brand visibility at trade shows by incorporating interactive and educational activities into their booth design. Instead of focusing solely on flashy displays or expensive giveaways, consider offering interactive demos, workshops, or presentations that showcase your products or industry expertise. You can even be fun and offer branded t-shirts, customized right at your booth. Engaging attendees in meaningful conversations and providing valuable insights can leave a lasting impression and increase brand recall long after the trade show ends. By investing time and effort into creating memorable booth experiences, companies can generate buzz, attract foot traffic, and establish themselves as thought leaders in their field.
While trade shows may require significant investments, there are low-cost ideas that companies can explore to maximize brand visibility and make a lasting impression on attendees. By leveraging creative strategies such as branded coffee cup sleeves, co-sponsoring events, and incorporating interactive booth activities, fintech companies can stand out from the competition and achieve their marketing goals without breaking the bank. With careful planning and strategic execution, even companies with limited budgets can make a big impact at trade shows and drive meaningful engagement with their target audience.
And remember, many associations are open to ideas! Even if there isn’t an option that falls within your budget, offer ideas not listed, such as a smoothie cart.