When it comes to running a convention that’s successful, you must consider everything. In itself, the event will likely be for profit, if not in ticket sales, in the rental lots and space you sell to businesses trying to take advantage of your brand. Unlike conventions that are poorly planned and still sell tickets, you want to make this an absolute success.

Well, the name of the game here is a promotion. But how do you effectively run a business convention and manage the purpose of the entire affair? Just setting everything up can seem a job in itself, let alone the reason you’re doing it. Consider the following tips to achieve this:

Merchandise

Merchandising your convention can be a great way of having the guests leave with something of value. You might offer templates for the participating business to order, cross-promotions with the event clearly labeled can help celebrate the event. Promotional jute bags can be a great way to hold these small goods and serve as a form of exposure and reward for attending your convention. Be sure to plan this in advance, because poor merchandise can have the opposite effect of that which is intended, and only leave your attendees feeling hard done by.

Events & Lectures

Be sure to plan some larger event spaces for activities. While businesses might be presenting their own goods on their rented lot, it might pay to give them the ability to present on a main stage, for most of the product unveils and large happenings that need to take place this can be the best option. Consider opening up multiple stages for this so attendees can traverse the convention hall and find that which is most appropriate. Also consider that if you’re running a free event, you might need to gate access to these shows, as it’s unlikely everyone in attendance will be able to view this.

Navigability

Allow people to navigate your convention through the use of custom printed maps of the large convention hall. This can help guide people to the lots of businesses, and also to the main halls. This is a good place for people to find what events are taking place at certain times. This can help people avoid hidden areas, and generally act more cohesive as a crowd. Be sure to hand these out freely in pamphlet form, because it’s better to have an informed attendance at your convention than try to nurture and communicate with those out of the loop.

Security

Security is important for any large group of people in an enclosed space. You should gate access, conduct stop searches for those entering, and assign at least one guard per around 75 guests at the event. You might ensure this is more depending on the nature of the specific convention. If alcohol is involved, you must increase guard presence.

Communicate with people about issues that could occur, with a Tannoy or speaker system. Keep a close eye on surveillance and ensure people cannot access backstages. This will help the event continue to run smoothly.

With these tips, your business convention is sure to be a success for all businesses involved.

xoxo, Karmen K

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