The benefits of participating in trade events
Kim Sones of Accredited Supplier, Sones Accountancy shares the benefits of taking part in trade events.
Kim said:
Last week, I co-hosted a seminar at FutureScape 2023, the UK’s largest landscape expo and trade event! I had a fantastic time; it was such a worthwhile event to attend. It was great to meet up with clients and network with other professionals in the landscape gardening industry.
Have you considered being part of a trade event like FutureScape? Each year there are lots of landscaping trade events around the country to help those working in the industry stay informed and ahead of the competition. They provide the perfect opportunity for industry professionals to come together to see and trial the latest innovations and trends, gain insight and knowledge from experts and mingle with like-minded people. They are the perfect one-stop-shop for everyone, from start-ups, and small and growing businesses to large organisations and practices.
There are lots of opportunities to attend, exhibit and speak at trade events. Let's look in more detail at some of the key benefits for landscape gardening business owners:
Networking Opportunities
Connect with other industry professionals in the landscape gardening industry, including architects, suppliers, contractors and potential clients. Building these relationships can lead to collaborative projects or referrals and allow the fostering of valuable relationships.
Product and Service Trends
Explore the latest trends and emerging technologies in landscaping and gain a competitive edge by integrating new ideas into your services.
Lead Generation
Trade events provide the perfect opportunity to actively engage with visitors, collect contact information, and follow up after the event to convert leads into clients. Offer promotions or giveaways to attract attention and encourage participation, enhancing lead-generation efforts.
Brand Exposure
Use branded materials such as banners, brochures, and business cards to create a cohesive and memorable brand presence. Consider sponsoring aspects of the trade show to increase visibility and brand recognition.
Showcasing Expertise
If exhibiting or speaking, create visually stunning displays or presentations showcasing your work. This provides tangible evidence of your skills and design capabilities, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. Consider conducting live demonstrations of your landscaping techniques or innovative technologies, illustrating your expertise to a captive audience.
Building Credibility
Share success stories, testimonials, and case studies to reinforce your credibility and reliability in the eyes of attendees and instil confidence in potential clients and partners.
Market Research
Evaluate what competitors are doing to understand their strengths and weaknesses. This insight can inform your business strategy and help you stay ahead in a competitive market.
Learning and Education
Attend educational sessions to stay informed about advancements in sustainable practices, design trends, and business management within the landscaping industry.
Overall, trade events offer a multifaceted approach to business development, including networking, marketing, education and exposure. Landscaping gardening business owners can maximise the benefits of attending trade events for the overall growth and success of their business.