With two months to go until Offshore Europe 2011, pressure is mounting to make sure that this year’s event is the best one yet. With 1,400 exhibitors and an expected 48,000 visitors, it is crucial that companies stand out from the crowd to generate leads and see a return on their investment.

With over 30 years experience in Event and Exhibition Support, AVC understands all the hard work, planning and preparation that is required for hosting a stand at Offshore Europe.  To overcome the drama and challenges, AVC asked some industry professionals to give their tips on best practice, stand behaviour and generating leads.

Tips from Bray Leino Events on your stand behavior at Offshore Europe

• The stand is your office away from office – as visitors see your environment, they see your company and make a judgment as to whether they want to do business with you. Ensure that your stand is kept clean, tidy, presentable and marketing collateral is replenished daily.
• Never leave people wondering what your company does – ensure your exhibit graphics make it clear what products/services you sell and what value you bring to your customers.
• Think outside the box –a key attraction on your stand can do wonders for engaging people as they walk by. Over the years Offshore Europe has seen the standard through to more obscure including caricaturists, celebrity chefs, body mass index (BMI) tests and retro games.
• Always be conscious of your stand behaviour and never leave delegates wondering “Why did they even come to the show?” -  Whilst on the stand you shouldn’t be typing on your computer, talking on your phone or texting. The time at the exhibition should be focused on engaging with attendees, not doing the work you would normally be doing in the office.
• Location, Location, Location! Familiarise yourself with the venue layout beforehand – even if you know the AECC it can be very disorientating during OE. Floor plans are available at www.offshore-europe.co.uk.

Tips from Mark Lenthall, Development Manager at AVC, on a professional approach to building business at OE

• There is plenty of competition for visitor attention at exhibitions and OE is no different. Treat all visitors on the stand as possible clients and make them welcome.
• Make sure you exhibitor badge is clearly visible (they can spin around on those lanyards) and don’t be shy about asking visitors to identify themselves if their pass is out of sight. Badges are colour coded at OE so you can easily establish who is a visitor, exhibitor or Press etc.  Use their name too – people like it!  
• Don’t over load prospects with literature to carry around the show. It will probably get lost or left somewhere and not make the impact it should. Instead, tell the contact you will be in touch after the show and then arrange to meet/speak/email and go over just how you can help them.    
• Make time to walk around the show and you will soon see things from a different perspective. Look closely and you may just spot the ‘Prison Warden’ stance - exhibitor with arms folded, blank expression ensuring that their company isn’t inconvenienced by possible customers and contacts. Make sure you and your team are not doing the same thing!   

Tips from Mark Gray, General Manager at The Purchasing House @ AVC, on choosing stand giveaways that will help you stand out from the crowd.

• Make your giveaway part of what you do and link to your organisations product/services. If you organisation is service-oriented, you might offer a percentage off purchase or a free on-site assessment.  Alternatively, bearing in mind your company’s overall brand image, you could offer a bespoke, unique gift offering e.g. an occupational health service provider may give away branded hand sanitizing gel or travel wet-wipes.
• Think of your surroundings and the exhibition environment. By the end of the day, visitors are often hot, hungry and tired.  This is the perfect opportunity to provide some memorable hospitality by considering branded bottles of water, ice cream or iced coffee.

To control you giveaways costs this year at OE11, why not take advantage of The Purchasing House @ AVC fantastic introductory offer, where they promise to not only match, but beat competitors quotes on quality, price and service. For more information see www.avcmedia.com or for corporate clothing and gift enquiries email the Purchasing House @ AVC on orders@avcmedia.com.

For further exhibition support, please visit AVC’s dedicated Offshore Europe Twitter page @AVC_OE2011 which will provide you with access to the information you need and extend your pre-event networking.