What you want to do is create a relationship with that new potential customer. People can only oo and ah for so long, so what you want to do is create a compelling offer to bring them in. This is why candy and treats often work. Whatever it is, make it instantly satisfying and memorable (homemade cookies, perhaps?). Then strike up a conversation about your product or service. Just remember to always keep the potential customer in mind.

Attendees are always looking for new and great ideas presented by exhibitors. The popcorn machine is one of the trade show items that always works. You can smell is all over the place. The popcorn bag walks all over the show floor. A coffee bar is a great option as well. It takes a minute or two or three to make the coffee. It gives you and your team the time for a 60 sec networking message. Coffee is expensive at trade shows. Attendees will talk about it, where they got their coffee, and that there were very attractive people preparing the coffee.

The global trade shows are providing huge catering and F&B activities on the show floor. Hard to beat when the invite and save $15+ for a meal at the convention center.

We have also created "breakfast vouchers" for attendees and guests. They prefer the coffee and breakfast in my booth, network, meet with other attendees, and we created additional leads.

Train your staff to network and not make an immediate sales pitch to the attendees. The impersonal approach by booth staff is often a reason for me to walk on.

Trade show giveaways are returning to the show floor. The upscale water bottles are often a winner. We have also invested in more expensive pens that people will keep. Don't forget that attendees often have to find a gift for their kids or grand kids at home. A nice stuffed animal or a t-shirt have been winners at my house. How cool does Dad or Mom look when he/she walks around the trade show with this cute stuffed animal? Winner. People ask where I got it, and will come by to get . There is your chance to network. Good luck!

Here are 2 of my perhaps a bit blunt but simply true (based on my experience) answers:

1. Hire SUPER Attractive People To Work The Booth
Based on your target market's demographics - hire people that are attractive TO THEM.
Google "convention booth models and talent".
It's not critical that everyone in the booth be a model... One or two will do.

2. Prepare a Unique and Interesting Short Demo of Your Product / Service
The beautiful people will get them into the booth - but you've gotta give them a reason to stay.
A great demo will also cause "buzz". Passers-by will stop to see what's up.
End the demo with a give-away.
A really cool give-away will also result in "buzz" that others will talk about (directing people to your booth).
Just make sure the give-away is RELEVANT to your product / service.

For more ideas - give me a call.

Good luck at the exhibition and have fun!