Did you know there is a lot of help out there for trade show exhibitors? For example, there are organizations who can help with all types of things from setting up your booth area to what to do there. Let's take a look at some top places to turn to for help online plus top trade show tips to help you make the most our of your next event.

Some popular places to turn for help are:

The Association for Trade Show & Event Professionals

http://www.tsea.org/

Trade Show Week

http://www.tradeshowweek.com/

The Ultimate Trade Show Directory

http://www.tsnn.com/

Tip: Type in your industry + "trade show" into Google or other top search engine.

Trade Show Tips

1) Do your homework before you even register and pay for space. Find out if your target audience will be there? What type of attendance figures are anticipated? What else is going on at that time that could (a) conflict and (b) bring even more people there? What type of activities are going on there: workshops that will bring people? Local manufacturer or other tours?

You want to make sure enough people come to the event to make it worthwhile. SO spend a little time up front checking things out.

2) Plan ahead and order a package where you get a list of attendees so that you can follow up, plus even call ahead to schedule meetings with fellow trade show reps. You really want to work each event to its fullest potential, not just stand there talking on your cell phone as attendees walk by...

3) Which brings us to booth activities - -have something going on. Don't just sit there. Invite passersby to vote, mark there hometown on a map, drop a card in a fishbowl drawing or something. Keep cell phones and food out of site. And ditch chairs. Be alive!

4) See about giving gifts to attendees. These can be your business card in a goody bag with a brochure, sample and some hard candy.

5) Before you register for your next event, check out trade show booth financing options and see if you qualify and for how much. This could very well be an excellent alternative to "charging it" or digging from your savings or other accounts.

6) Book not only the event but time afterwards to follow up. Too many people miss this step and don't even contact attendees