Trade Show Season Is Here: Prep Now, Win Later

It's a new year, and in our world, that means trade show season is officially here!

The College Hill team kicked things off with our first industry show in mid-January. For us, these shows are more than just a date on the calendar. These shows are where we get an early look at the latest and greatest in promotional products - what's new, what's trending, and what's actually resonating with attendees.

We're excited to be bringing those insights back to our clients, and this is just the beginning!

Beyond the Booth

If you're a brand showcasing on the show floor this year, preparation is everything. The most successful booths we see don't rely on logo overload. Instead, they focus on creating moments.

As we've shared in a previous blog post, activations continue to be a major differentiator between a booth people walk right past and a booth people line up for. Whether it's customization, interaction, or a simple "wow" factor, giving attendees a reason to stop, engage, and remember you goes a long way.

The Golden Rule of Giveaways

When it comes to giveaways, think useful over flashy. Attendees are far more likely to keep and use items that fit seamlessly into their day (and skip the brand fill that ends up left behind).  Small, thoughtful, and practical items not only travel home with attendees, they keep your brand in regular rotation long after the show ends.

Some tried-and-true favorites we love seeing and using include branded gum or mints, nail files, hand sanitizer, and versatile tote bags.

Check out some of our top-rated picks here:

Planning Ahead

As the trade show season ramps up, now is the time to be intentional about how you show up. Whether you are walking the floor or hosting a booth, every touchpoint is an opportunity to define your brand.

Stay tuned for more inspiration this year!

Let's make this your most impactful trade show season yet! Contact us for more ideas, tips, and recommendations - or to get an order started.