By Brittney Matejka

Show me the money: trade shows are still effective to reach customers

Mar 2, 2018 | 4:33 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB. – The Sunshine Home and Garden Show  is expecting to have eleven thousand people come through the doors at the Cypress Centre over the weekend.

Paula Stodalka with the Chamber of Commerce describes the trade show as being a tried-and-true method of marketing for business owners.

“People always look forward to an opportunity to come and see a variety of businesses and exhibitors under one roof,” she said. “The exhibitors like the opportunity to connect with thousands of consumers over the course of a few days.”

It’s that face to face connection that hsa kept Hiebert Cabinets and Fine Woodwork coming to the trade show for the past 10 years. Tenille Motz explained there are many options for cabinetry and their booth gives them time to speak with potential customers one on one.

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“It’s really nice to meet them at the trade show and just see what they are interested in,” she said.

Although Motz said they don’t see customers making a purchase at the show, there is still a pay off for business.

“The week after the trade show our phones ring a lot with new potentials,” she said. “Sometimes we can have 5 to 20 solid jobs sold.”

Justin Robertson of Justscape has not had a booth at the trade show for the last four years, but decided to come back this year to promote a new service.

“I really want to get water features going,” he said. “People might be afraid, or think they are super expensive but they are really not, a natural piece of rock with a hole in it.”

The exposure of the event is something Robertson sees as being good for the business.

“Ultimately if you get two or three jobs it’s worth it,” he said. “You never really know if the right person comes by, that person could be a month long job.”

The trade show is running Friday until 9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Tickets are available at the door.