Posted by ProExTra | July 2025
It’s been another full-on season here at ProExTra as we helped clients gear up for a packed stretch in the exhibition calendar. Supporting clients from Bath to Birmingham and The Trueman Brewery to the NEC, we were asked so many times by other exhibitors…is it still too late to make this better??
Short answer: Absolutely not. Even with hours to go, there’s still time to influence your ROI, energise your team, and make sure your exhibition effort counts.
Here are 4 last-minute power moves to help you do just that:
1. Set Clear, Actionable Objectives — Right Now
Ideally, you set your goals weeks ago. But if not? Don’t worry. Even on the morning of the event, you can still define SMART objectives (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) that keep you focused and give your team something to work towards.
Think:
- Collect 5 qualified leads from new target sectors
- Connect with 2 potential collaboration partners
- Secure coffee chats with 3 top-priority prospects or exhibitors
When your team knows what “success” looks like — and feels part of the mission — motivation soars and you can actually measure the return on your efforts.
2. Be Visible — And Valuable — On Social
Social media is your real-time megaphone. Even if your prep time’s been tight, you can still jump into the event conversation and show up where your audience is.
✅ Snap a squad selfie at your stand and post it with the event hashtag
✅ Comment on other exhibitors’ setups and tag them in a story
✅ Congratulate speakers on LinkedIn or X (Twitter) and invite them for a coffee
✅ Share behind-the-scenes clips of your stand build and what you’re offering
The trick? Don’t just promote your stand. Be part of the buzz, add value, and make yourself easy to find and remember.
3. Ditch the Dead Openers — Know Your First Line
We can’t tell you how often we hear it:
“Hi, how’s your day going?”
“Hi there — enjoying the show?”
Spoiler Alert: those lines don’t work. At all. Within five seconds, a visitor decides whether to engage or walk on. So that first question matters.
Grab a drink with your team the night before and agree on an opening that’s tied to your objectives — something direct, intriguing, and relevant. For example:
- “Can I show you how we’re helping companies save 20% on supply costs?”
- “Are you looking to scale in the next 12 months?”
- “What’s been your standout product today — aside from ours?”
Good openers lead to good conversations. Good conversations lead to leads.
4. Follow Up Like a Pro
The show might close, but your work shouldn’t. Up to 87% of trade show leads are never followed up — and yet over half of attendees buy from an exhibitor within 12 months. That’s a lot of missed opportunity.
Plan your follow-up before the show even starts:
- Block out time in your calendar for follow-up calls/emails
- Snap a photo of your stand when it’s buzzing and include it in your follow-up
- Remind people who you are and how you can help — with energy and clarity
People follow up with exhibitors they remember. So make it easy for them.
You’ve Got This
If you’re feeling underprepared — you’re not alone. We’ve all been there. But don’t let panic steal the potential of what could still be a huge success. Stay focused, stay visible, talk to the right people — and most importantly, enjoy it.
Need help turning your next show into a strategic win? We work shoulder-to-shoulder with our clients — coaching, planning, or mucking in — to help make exhibitions work harder for your business.
📩 Got a last-minute win to share? Drop us a message — we’d love to feature your story and inspire other frazzled exhibitors!
Let me know if you’d like this version adapted into a LinkedIn post or newsletter teaser too
Inspiring Exhibitors & Live Events 
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