If you’re taking a tradeshow display or bannerstands to a marketing event, you probably haven’t given a lot of thought to what you’re going to have your employees wear. However, it’s important to think about your wardrobe! Your employees are going to be on their feet all day, which means they’ll need to be comfortable, but that’s not all you need to consider. Since the employees will be meeting with potential customers, you’ll need them to have a professional appearance. There’s a fine line between professionalism and comfort and it’s important to make sure you know where that line is. Here are some dos and don’ts that can make your wardrobe choices easier.
Do: Make Sure You Have Pockets
This tip is mostly for women, since most men’s trousers do have pockets. If you’re a woman, look for a skirt or pair of pants with pockets. This might seem like a trivial matter, but you’ll need to have business cards and a pen handy and a pocket will allow you to keep your hands free without digging into a purse. Pockets will also give you a place to put business cards that customers give you until you have a break and can put them away.
Don’t: Overdose On Cologne
Nothing’s worse than walking by someone and being assaulted by their perfume or cologne. Some of your customers will likely be sensitive to overwhelming scents and keeping it neutral will help ensure that you don’t alienate anyone before they even open their mouths.
Do: Wear Comfortable Shoes At Your Tradeshow Booth
Now is not the time to break in new shoes. You’ll be standing on your feet all day and you definitely want to wear some shoes that are broken in. However, this doesn’t mean sloppy! Take a few minutes to polish and shine your shoes so that they look like new. If you’re a woman, consider leaving the heels at home. If you feel like you have to wear heels, put a comfort insole inside to help lessen the stress on the balls of your feet.
Don’t: Dress Sloppily
You do want to be comfortable when you’re working at your tradeshow booth, but comfortable doesn’t mean sloppy. Make sure that clothing fits well (if you suspect that you’ve gained or lost weight, try on your clothing about a week before taking your tradeshow display to an event to ensure that you have enough time to purchase something new if necessary). Also tuck in shirts and make sure that pants are free of tears and stains. Depending on the tone of your tradeshow booth, the event and your industry, it might be okay to wear nice, dark jeans, but if in doubt, wear slacks instead.
Your bannerstands and tradeshow display aren’t the only important things to consider when you’re getting ready to attend a marketing event. Take a few minutes to think about what you’re going to wear and how you want to present yourself during the event. After all, you only have one chance to make a first impression so you want to make it a good one!
