1. Send out targeted emails or postcards to potential customers before you board the plane to Las Vegas. Operators told Highway Business Matters they like to know about hot new products before they go. Walt Muralt, president of Muralt’s Travel Plaza in Missoula, Mont., said pre-show outreach can help, particularly for new, cutting-edge services, new technology and big-ticket purchases he might make during the show. The advanced planning lets him get “mentally prepared” prior to the show, he explained. Gather more ideas for pre-show marketing in the Exhibitor Marketing Guide.
2. Stop by and say hello via Facebook. Suppliers and operators alike are visiting The NATSO Show’s wall.
3. Be where your customers are. During the show, there are dozens of events industry suppliers can attend. From the kick-off party to meals on the show floor, suppliers can take advantage of countless opportunities for face-to-face meetings. View the full schedule here.
4. Stay on top of contacts as you go. To help make the most of potential leads, industry suppliers can ensure they keep track of the contacts they’re making during the show. To help differentiate contacts, they can jot down notes either on a business card on lead cards they create and keep in the booth.
5. Do something during the show that will help potential customers remember you after you head home. Bob Ryan, owner of Atlanta South 75 in Jackson, Ga., said it might be memorable if suppliers gave their good potential customers something during the show to help jog their memory later. “It doesn’t have to be something particularly expensive at all, but just something so when they get in touch with you, they can say, ‘Do you remember me? I am the guy who gave you the _____ at NATSO,’” Ryan said. “That would help you remember and put it back into perspective.”
Not signed up to exhibit yet? Limited space is still available at The NATSO Show. At no other show can you reach as many travel plaza owners and operators, on and off the show floor. Act today to reserve your booth and gain direct access to key truckstop and travel plaza decision makers. To make a booth selection appointment, contact either Susan Taylor at (703) 739-8572 or staylor@natso.com or Dave Sturtevant at (703) 739-8562 or dsturtevant@natso.com.
{HBM} Highway Business Matters is a brief semi-monthly newsletter created exclusively for companies that provide products or services to the truckstop and travel plaza industry. Highway Business Matters will keep you informed on trends, tactics, and tips to help you connect to the $65 billion truckstop and travel plaza industry.
Help tailor Highway Business Matters to meet your needs by sharing your feedback and story ideas. Send your input to: atoner@natso.com.
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