One of the keys to an effective trade show exhibit is a memorable and engaging product demonstration. If visitors are intrigued by your demo, you significantly increase the chances of them becoming your customers.

Here are four important steps to creating a great product demonstration that will take full advantage of the interactive environment that tradeshow exhibiting offers and set your company apart from the competition.

1) Know What You’re Trying to Accomplish

The first step to creating a great demo is to define the goals of your exhibit and the kind of attendees you want to attract. Is the purpose of your trade show to gain leads, increase awareness, or grow industry relationships? Identify your target consumer, and make it clear how your product will benefit them. Use these foundational details as a platform to tailor your demonstration to be the most effective it can be.

2) Practice Your Presentation

All working staff should be trained on how to effectively demonstrate your products and services, so demos are smooth, seamless, and exciting. To make sure your message is clear and concise, and to ensure there are no glitches, run through your presentation multiple times before the event. It is also essential that your trade show staff can provide answers to any questions, so make sure to review potential questions and concerns and have answers prepared.

3) Think Ahead about Booth Space

Don’t wait to consider what your demonstration will entail after your booth is built; rather, design your trade show exhibit with the presentation in mind. Consider how these features can complement your demo and help your booth stand out:

• The amount of space
• Lighting
• Supporting visuals
• Architectural elements
• Fixtures

4) Prove Value Through Interaction

A trade show demonstration is supposed to highlight your product or service in a concrete way and should be treated as a pitch inviting consumers to invest in your business. To make the most of the opportunity, consider the importance of activity and motion. Since eyes are drawn to movement, stand up, move around, and get out in front of your audience. Make spectators a part of the fun by asking them questions and encouraging them to assist you in your presentation. If visitors are engaged in the demo—through discussions or hands-on interaction—they will be more likely to believe in the power of your product.

5) Keep an Eye on the Future

Always remember to leave your audience wanting more. If you give potential buyers every bit of information about your product during the presentation, it can be overwhelming. Worse, it can make customers feel as though they have nothing to inquire about afterwards. Since you always want customers to follow up, make sure your demo leaves some questions unanswered.