Contents introduction chapter. I. Booth etiquette

CHAPTER .I. Booth etiquette.

1-1 What is the meaning of booth.

When great event planners are involved in the planning phase, they have the unique opportunity to enhance the company's return on investment by sharing the following trade show staff etiquette rules and tips. Greetings and Open Body Language George Doyle / Getty Images Attendees are looking at the exhibit staff for a reason to spend time at your booth. After being initially drawn in by the booth or brand itself, your staff is the reason they will stay or go.

The following body language tips will help convey a professional and approachable demeanor: Stand up and greet attendees in front of the booth If seats are needed, use tall stools that create contact at standing eye level Smile and make eye contact with attendees from all directions Speak with trade show attendees, not colleagues Sit down only if you are with a client who also wants to sit Do not cross arms or legs, keep hands out of pockets Avoid fidgeting and leaning against booth walls and furniture Be mindful of other people in the booth and near your space Do not enter the space of another exhibitor Be enthusiastic, confident, and polite Thank attendees for spending time at your booth when they arrive and leave Though simple, these basic body language tips offer an approachable and professional atmosphere that will encourage prospects to visit—and stay in—your booth.Staff Roles and Sales Script Stockbyte / Getty Images Trade show booth staff should be assigned a specific area of the exhibit to cover and should have the expertise to convey important company information to attendees. Some companies even provide staff with a customizable greeting and sales script, so each member of the team is prepared to deliver a consistent, polished, and effective message to attendees.

Beyond the sales script or elevator pitch, company representatives in a trade show booth should be prepared to answer basic questions or know where to obtain more information. The booth should also always be managed by at least one person who has that expertise or authority, and that person should be accessible to supporting staff and attendees at all times. Attendee Engagement Jonathan P. Lamas / Getty Image People attend trade shows for a reason, so it is important for booth staff to quickly introduce themselves and ask attendees questions quickly to find out if they can help them in any way. This is where a greeting or introduction script can come in handy, but such a script is only effective if booth staff use it to engage attendees.

Most of the people attending a trade show have some relevant reason to learn more about your products and services, so make sure that your staff offers them a brief overview of the script and has the skills to continue the conversation and engaging the prospect from there. Staff should be prepared to ask ​open-ended questions to build a rapport with attendees and determine needs. No Staff Food or Beverages.This etiquette rule should simply be a part of greetings and body language, but unfortunately, because of its abundance at trade shows, it deserves its own category.

One of the most common trade show booth etiquette violations occurs when food and drink are kept in the booth for the staff's personal consumption. Trade show days are long; certainly, your staff should have access to snacks and water. But those snacks and drinks should not be consumed in the booth or left visible to trade show attendees.It is easy to spot napkins, wrappers, plastic bottles, and other items that are not part of the booth. It may sound elementary, but reminding booth staff to avoid eating, drinking, and chewing gum within the booth can be the difference between looking professional or appearing like slobs. To avoid this, some trade show exhibitors choose to issue their staff branded refillable water bottles, which can be a great option for ensuring well-hydrated and professional looking staff. 

Unfortunately for most trade show exhibitors, staff training tends to be overlooked in favor of other seemingly more pressing issues like booth planning, design, construction, and logistics.While the booth itself is important in attracting customers and prospects, your staff's presence and demeanor can make or break that new prospective business. Some experienced staff and executives who man trade show booths pride themselves on their ability weed through the duds to spot and engage only live prospects. However, staying focused only on revenue—or big-ticket customers—can often damage the brand and lead to missed opportunities.Corporate event planners are sometimes asked to assist in managing trade show logistics and at times, the trade show booth itself.

Staff Roles and Sales Script Stockbyte / Getty Images Trade show booth staff should be assigned a specific area of the exhibit to cover and should have the expertise to convey important company information to attendees. Some companies even provide staff with a customizable greeting and sales script, so each member of the team is prepared to deliver a consistent, polished, and effective message to attendees. Beyond the sales script or elevator pitch, company representatives in a trade show booth should be prepared to answer basic questions or know where to obtain more information.

The booth should also always be managed by at least one person who has that expertise or authority, and that person should be accessible to supporting staff and attendees at all times. Attendee Engagement Jonathan P. Lamas / Getty Images People attend trade shows for a reason, so it is important for booth staff to quickly introduce themselves and ask attendees questions quickly to find out if they can help them in any way. This is where a greeting or introduction script can come in handy, but such a script is only effective if booth staff use it to engage attendees. Most of the people attending a trade show have some relevant reason to learn more about your products and services, so make sure that your staff offers them a brief overview of the script and has the skills to continue the conversation and engaging the prospect from there. Staff should be prepared to ask ​open-ended questions to build a rapport with attendees and determine needs. No Staff Food or Beverages Martin Barraud / Getty Images This s etiquette rule should simply be a part of greetings and body language, but unfortunately, because of its abundance at trade shows, it deserves its own category.

One of the most common trade show booth etiquette violations occurs when food and drink are kept in the booth for the staff's personal consumption. Trade show days are long; certainly, your staff should have access to snacks and water. But those snacks and drinks should not be consumed in the booth or left visible to trade show attendees. It is easy to spot napkins, wrappers, plastic bottles, and other items that are not part of the booth. It may sound elementary, but reminding booth staff to avoid eating, drinking, and chewing gum within the booth can be the difference between looking professional or appearing like slobs. To avoid this, some trade show exhibitors choose to issue their staff branded refillable water bottles, which can be a great option for ensuring well-hydrated and professional looking staff.  Provide Adequate Staffing Stockbyte / Getty Images.

Trade show staff is usually responsible for booth setup or at least putting the final touches on a larger, constructed booth, and they should arrive early enough to make sure that all materials are properly displayed and ready for show attendees as soon as the exhibits open. Managers should staff the booth adequately to permit attendees easy access to staff and to consider needs for lunch and other breaks without overwhelming the booth space with company employees.

It is also extremely important to highlight the show hours and to make sure that company representation remains in the booth through the completion of the scheduled hours. It is amazing the number of booths where staff will disappear 15, 30, even 45 minutes before the end of a show missing the opportunity to interact with prospects and giving off an unprofessional image.Attire is something that differs from organization to organization.

Some companies require corporate or business casual apparel (e.g., polo shirts, sports coats, dress shirts, etc.) while others provide staff with branded apparel or a uniform. Even others simply give employees some direction on personal attire with colors and appropriate clothing styles.Professional and uniform attire helps to reinforce trade show booth themes, and should also be perceived as respectful of the organizers and attendees of the show itself.

The dress code should also easily distinguish booth staff from attendees and include name tags.Event managers typically direct trade show booth staff to store the unattractive boxes and supplies in hidden spots such as behind a trade show wall, under a fully skirted table, or in a location outside the exhibit area where additional supplies are stored.It is important that the booth space appears well maintained at all times (including the floor) and trash should not be anywhere within view. Trade show etiquette calls for booth staff to be mindful of this rule throughout the entire day.Trade Show Booth Etiquette 101: Tips for Working a Booth (Part...Stand up, smile, and make eye contact. ...Greet attendees inside and in front of the entrances of the booth. ...Speak with attendees, not colleagues or on your phone. ...Keep it short and simple and engage your prospects in conversation.Whether your company is planning for a mere 10' by 10' booth or a large 40' by 50' trade show exhibit space, training the staff who will be manning the booth during the show itself is of the utmost importance. Unfortunately for most trade show exhibitors, staff training tends to be overlooked in favor of other seemingly more pressing issues like booth planning, design, construction, and logistics.

While the booth itself is important in attracting customers and prospects, your staff's presence and demeanor can make or break that new prospective business. Some experienced staff and executives who man trade show booths pride themselves on their ability weed through the duds to spot and engage only live prospects. However, staying focused only on revenue—or big-ticket customers—can often damage the brand and lead to missed opportunities.

Corporate event planners are sometimes asked to assist in managing trade show logistics and at times, the trade show booth itself. When great event planners are involved in the planning phase, they have the unique opportunity to enhance the company's return on investment by sharing the following trade show staff etiquette rules and tips.Attendees are looking at the exhibit staff for a reason to spend time at your booth. After being initially drawn in by the booth or brand itself, your staff is the reason they will stay or go.

The following body language tips will help convey a professional and approachable demeanor:Stand up and greet attendees in front of the booth If seats are needed, use tall stools that create contact at standing eye level Smile and make eye contact with attendees from all directions Speak with trade show attendees, not colleagues Sit down only if you are with a client who also wants to sit Do not cross arms or legs, keep hands out of pockets Avoid fidgeting and leaning against booth walls and furniture Be mindful of other people in the booth and near your space Do not enter the space of another exhibitor Be enthusiastic, confident, and polite Thank attendees for spending time at your booth when they arrive and leave Though simple, these basic body language tips offer an approachable and professional atmosphere that will encourage prospects to visit—and stay in—your booth.Trade show booth staff should be assigned a specific area of the exhibit to cover and should have the expertise to convey important company information to attendees.

Some companies even provide staff with a customizable greeting and sales script, so each member of the team is prepared to deliver a consistent, polished, and effective message to attendees.Beyond the sales script or elevator pitch, company representatives in a trade show booth should be prepared to answer basic questions or know where to obtain more information.

The booth should also always be managed by at least one person who has that expertise or authority, and that person should be accessible to supporting staff and attendees at all times.People attend trade shows for a reason, so it is important for booth staff to quickly introduce themselves and ask attendees questions quickly to find out if they can help them in any way.

This is where a greeting or introduction script can come in handy, but such a script is only effective if booth staff use it to engage attendees.Most of the people attending a trade show have some relevant reason to learn more about your products and services, so make sure that your staff offers them a brief overview of the script and has the skills to continue the conversation and engaging the prospect from there. Staff should be prepared to ask ​open-ended questions to build a rapport with attendees and determine needs.

This etiquette rule should simply be a part of greetings and body language, but unfortunately, because of its abundance at trade shows, it deserves its own category. One of the most common trade show booth etiquette violations occurs when food and drink are kept in the booth for the staff's personal consumption.

Trade show days are long; certainly, your staff should have access to snacks and water. But those snacks and drinks should not be consumed in the booth or left visible to trade show attendees.It is easy to spot napkins, wrappers, plastic bottles, and other items that are not part of the booth. It may sound elementary, but reminding booth staff to avoid eating, drinking, and chewing gum within the booth can be the difference between looking professional or appearing like slobs. To avoid this, some trade show exhibitors choose to issue their staff branded refillable water bottles, which can be a great option for ensuring hydrated and professional looking staff.

Attire is something that differs from organization to organization. Some companies require corporate or business casual apparel (e.g., polo shirts, sports coats, dress shirts, etc.) while others provide staff with branded apparel or a uniform. Even others simply give employees some direction on personal attire with colors and appropriate clothing styles.Professional and uniform attire helps to reinforce trade show booth themes, and should also be perceived as respectful of the organizers and attendees of the show itself. The dress code should also easily distinguish booth staff from attendees and include name tags.Event managers typically direct trade show booth staff to store the unattractive boxes and supplies in hidden spots such as behind a trade show wall, under a fully skirted table, or in a location outside the exhibit area where additional supplies are stored.It is important that the booth space appears well maintained at all times (including the floor) and trash should not be anywhere within view. Trade show etiquette calls for booth staff to be mindful of this rule throughout the entire day.The Balance Small Business Menu Search Search GO Ad EVENT PLANNING BASICS Business Etiquette for Corporate Events Useful Tips for Good Manners at Meetings and Social Events BY ROB HARD Updated January 04, 2020 Appropriate business etiquette is expected of all professionals, especially at corporate events. Few individuals are trained in the art of good manners, particularly for work-related settings. As a result, most people learn meeting etiquette and how to conduct themselves at business events on the job. Behavior that might not be an issue outside of the corporate world could affect professional relationships and even damage careers. A corporate event may be a more relaxed setting, but it is still grounded in the ethics and principles of the business environment. Not everyone is completely at ease with the idea they may be judged by whether they exhibit proper business etiquette when dealing with corporate hosts, colleagues, and other guests. Keep in mind, though, that the purpose of etiquette is to create an environment that allows everyone to feel comfortable and professional at the same time. Invitations provide most of the important information about an event, including details about the host, type of event, purpose (even as much as a brief agenda), location, time, specific instructions, and—of course—the RSVP. Events may rely on a variety of RSVP options, including email, phone, mail-in cards, and more. Guests should respond quickly when they receive an invitation, and it’s best to respond within a week. If you must decline at the last minute, please notify the host prior to the event or first thing the next day with sincere regrets.What Should You Wear? Hosts and guests err on the side of conservative sensibility: dress well and in good taste (everything should always be pressed). That said, most event invitations will provide direction: Business attire (suits and dresses) Black-tie or black-tie-optional (more formal evening wear that includes full-length gowns, very dressy pantsuits, or sophisticated cocktail dresses) Business casual (trousers or khakis with long-sleeve shirts, blouses with blazers, slacks, or knee-length skirts) Jackets and ties required (as instructed, can include pantsuits and cocktail dresses) Some events and venues may advise other casual wear, such as golf, tennis, horse racing, resorts, and so on. Organizers are usually specific about attire requirements. Make sure your attire is clean and free of lint. Do not cross arms or legs, keep hands out of pockets. Avoid fidgeting and leaning against booth walls and furniture. Be mindful of other people in the booth and near your space. Do not enter the space of another exhibitor.Attendees are looking at the exhibit staff for a reason to spend time at your booth. After being initially drawn in by the booth or brand itself, your staff is the reason they will stay or go. The following body language tips will help convey a professional and approachable demeanor:Stand up and greet attendees in front of the booth If seats are needed, use tall stools that create contact at standing eye level Smile and make eye contact with attendees from all directions Speak with trade show attendees, not colleagues Sit down only if you are with a client who also wants to sit Do not cross arms or legs, keep hands out of pockets Avoid fidgeting and leaning against booth walls and furniture Be mindful of other people in the booth and near your spacT1.s o not enter the space of another exhibitor Be enthusiastic, confident, and polite Thank attendees for spending time at your booth when they arrive and leave Though simple, these basic body language tips offer an approachable and professional atmosphere that will encourage prospects to visit—and stay in—your booth. booth Add to list Share. A booth is a temporary table, tent, or area that you set up in order to sell something. You might have a cupcake booth at a school craft fair, for example. You might stop at an information booth in a tourist town, or or shop for records at awww.enacademic.comur local flea market.CELEBRATIONS ETIQUETTE & ADVICE MANNERS & CIVILITY 8 Most Common Etiquette Mistakes Written by Debby Mayne Updated Close-up of healthy food served in plate by mobile phone on table during party Maskot / Getty Images Etiquette is something that is easy to let slide. Be mindful of your manners and do your best to always do the right thing. You and everyone around you will ultimately benefit, and you'll have fewer regrets over your behavior. It's easy to call out other people when you see them commit manners mistakes. Remember that everyone makes etiquette faux pas every now and then ... even etiquette experts. The key to making things right is to apologize for whatever it is and move on. Learn from your mistakes and try not to keep making the same ones over and over.Following certain rules of etiquette is essential in both social and professional situations, so it’s a good idea to learn them. It can mean the difference between keeping or losing friends and getting ahead in business. Just as important is to learn what not to do. Being Impolite to Anyone Waiter handing business people menus at restaurant table Chris Ryan/OJO Images/Getty Images Being nice to others in all situations is the most important rule of etiquette you can follow. You may not know proper placement of dinnerware or when to use which fork, but most people will forgive you for those small infractions. However, being rude to people is something that you may not be able to undo. People have long memories when they feel they've been wronged or treated badly. Politeness extends to everyone you come in contact with, from the doorman of your office or apartment building to your boss and other company executives. Showing gratitude and respect to servers at restaurants, sales clerks at retail outlets, and the bagger at your grocery store can make the difference in the service person’s day. Not being nice to these people shows a lack of character on your part. Continue to 2 of 8 below. Being Late Woodgrain wall clock Pay attention to the time so you're not late. Cohdra/Morguefile.com If you are one of those people who are chronically late, you are showing disrespect for other people’s time. When you agree to show up at a certain time, be there on time. If you are occasionally late, you will probably be forgiven if it isn’t something you do often. Always call and let someone know your circumstances and your estimated time of arrival. Try to avoid doing this on a regular basis, or you might not get invited to do things with friends. Failing to Introduce Others Friendly people smiling and shaking hands Don't forget to introduce people who don't know each other. Portra Images/Getty Images When you are with two people who don’t know each other, you should always introduce them. If you can’t remember either of their names, politely say something like, “I’m sorry. I know we’ve met, but I can’t recall your name.” Then use the person’s name during the introduction and afterward in conversation. If you include something you discussed with that person in the past, it will soften the fact that you forgot his or her name. Chatting or Texting on Your Cell Phone While Physically with Others. Woman texting on her cellphone in a coffee shop Don't be rude with your cell phone in public. Marianna Massey/Getty Images Always give the person you are physically with your attention. If your cell phone rings, or you receive a text that needs immediate response, politely excuse yourself and keep all electronic contact brief. Then when you return to the person, apologize and refrain from making a habit of chatting on the phone or texting when you're with someone. Never text while dining with others. That is rude and frustrating for other diners. Continue to 5 of 8 below. Failing to RSVP. RSVP card Mattjeacock/E+/Getty Images When you are invited to any event – whether it’s a dinner party or wedding – let the host know whether or not you’ll be there as soon as possible. Failing to RSVP can hamper the plans of the person who must organize the guest list, food, and space. If you send regrets and later discover that you are able to make it, call the host and ask if there it isn’t too late. Be understanding if the host has already filled your position. If you have accepted, and you get sick at the last minute, call the host immediately. Never change plans if something more interesting comes along. You may never get invited by that host again if he finds out. Being Too Self-Absorbed. Two women having aconversation outside cafe Conversation should include everyone present. JAG IMAGES/Cultura/Getty Images When chatting with friends, family, or coworkers, give them equal time during the conversation. If you have a pattern of making the discussion all about you, you may discover people walking a wide berth around you or running away when they see you coming. You don’t want people to see you as narcissistic or self-absorbed. The best way to have a decent conversation with someone is to ask questions about him or her and then be attentive. If you are a good listener, chances are the person will turn around and ask you questions. Back-and-forth conversation is more enjoyable for both parties and will gain you favor among people you care about. Having Bad Table Manners. Men shaking hands at a conference table Good table manners should become a habit. Westend61/Getty Images In this world of people rushing around, you may have become accustomed to running through fast food drive-thru lanes and eating on the run. Not only is this bad for digestion, it gets you out of the habit of exercising good table manners. When dining with others, take your time to observe proper table manners. If you are unclear about which utensil to use, learn before you go. Don’t be in a rush while eating, or you may wind up having accidents that could have easily been avoided. Take time to chew your food properly, and don’t talk with your mouth full. If someone asks you a question right after you take a bite, she most likely will understand and be willing to wait until you chew and swallow. After you finish eating, wait for the others. It is rude to leave the table while others are still eating. Forgetting to be Thankful. Young woman giving a gift to a friend Always show your gratitude when someone does something nice for you. Blend Images/Hill Street Studios/Vetta/Getty Images When someone gives you a gift or does something special for you, always show your gratitude. Immediately say, “Thank you.” When you get home, send a brief thank you note. If time gets away from you, don’t let that be an excuse to ignore what you should have already done. Send a thank you note as soon as possible. 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INSTANT SUBSCRIBE Follow us: Instagram Pinterest Facebook DECOR GARDEN HOME REPAIR CELEBRATIONSCLEANING WHAT TO BUY NEWS About Us Advertise Terms Of Us Career Editorial Guidelines Privacy Policy Cookies Contact California Privacy Notice TRUSTe Also from The Spruce Team: The Spruce Eats.The Spruce Pets The Spruce Crafts The Spruce is part of the Dotdash publishing family.Home » Management articles » Etiquette: Meaning, Types, Benefits and Basic Rules Etiquette: Meaning, Types, Benefits and Basic Rules November 25, 2020 By Hitesh Bhasin Tagged With: Management articles Etiquette is defined as formal rules and manners that are considered sacred and acceptable in society. These have been established by convention for a very long time and are followed diligently in both professional and social settings. If you are looking for an answer to what is etiquette, then let me tell you that it refers to the guiding principle that dictates what our behavior and manners should be in society. It proves an asset because it tells you in explicit terms about what it considers to be logical and rational. It is the etiquette that draws a different line between people with good manners and people who behave irresponsibly everywhere.