Thinking about registering as an exhibitor at a Winnipeg trade show? It’s an exciting step for your business, but there can be a lot of moving parts to keep track of – especially if it’s your first time.
In this post, we’ll walk you through an overview of the trade show registration process and also help you understand the importance of some less visible steps – like conducting thorough pre-registration research and setting clear goals.
Your Complete Guide To Registering For Trade Shows In Winnipeg
In this article:
- Understanding Winnipeg’s Trade Show Landscape
- Pre-Registration Planning And Research
- The Registration Process
- Essential Documentation And Requirements
- Maximizing Your Trade Show Investment
Understanding Winnipeg’s Trade Show Landscape
Winnipeg hosts a significant number of trade shows every year – sometimes also called trade exhibitions, business expos, conventions, or industry shows. Many of them (approximately 40-60 in any given year) are held at the RBC Convention Centre, but plenty of other smaller events also take place at venues like Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre, Canad Inns, Club Regent Event Centre, Canada Life Centre, and more.
Trade shows happen all year round in Winnipeg, with many highly anticipated events occurring in every season. No matter your industry or business niche, there are sure to be at least a handful of Winnipeg trade shows you can showcase your products and services at throughout the year.
RBC Convention Centre: Winnipeg’s Premier Trade Show Venue
If you’re thinking about showcasing your brand at a major trade show in Winnipeg, chances are high you’ll be setting up a booth at the RBC Convention Centre, located at 375 York Avenue. This beautiful and formidable building has a total area of 264,000 square feet across five levels and can accommodate up to 1,700 standard 10×10 booths in total – though many trade shows held there are significantly smaller and take place in smaller halls that accommodate fewer booths.
A huge variety of events are held at the RBC Convention Centre every year – including trade shows geared toward a broad spectrum of different industries and target audiences.
Types Of Trade Shows Available In Winnipeg
Winnipeg’s jam-packed trade show schedule includes events focused on a wide range of different industries, including:
- Construction and Renovations
- Home and Garden
- Business Services
- Professional Fields (business and finance, healthcare, science, technology, law, etc.)
- Environment and Sustainability
- Food and Drink
- Travel and Tourism
- Pop Culture
- Hobbies
- Agriculture
- Arts and Culture
Pre-Registration Planning And Research
The first step in registering for a trade show isn’t actually registration: It’s planning and research. Before committing to an event, it’s important to feel confident that it will be a good use of your time/resources.
But how can you be sure?
Your best bet is to begin with a clear sense of what you hope to get out of your trade show experience:
Setting Your Trade Show Goals And Budget
Like any step you take toward growing your business, a successful trade show experience begins with setting clear goals and laying out a clear strategy to reach them. While every business is unique, some common trade show goals include:
- Promoting products and services
- Networking and building relationships
- Increasing brand awareness and visibility
- Generating quality leads
- Launching a new product
- Conducting market research and competitive analysis
- Attracting talent
Once you’ve determined what you hope to get out of your trade show experience, it’s also important to be realistic about the budget you can allocate to the event. Remember to consider all the costs associated with setting up a trade show booth – including registration and space rental, booth design, technology and AV equipment, branding, set-up, and teardown. A high-impact exhibit doesn’t have to break the bank, but understanding all the costs involved from start to finish is key to not exceeding your budget.
Identifying The Right Trade Shows For Your Business
With your business’s goals, budget, and any time/staffing limitations in mind, how can you determine which Winnipeg trade show(s) will be the right fit for your needs?
While attending a trade show in person is the best way to know for sure whether or not it’s a good match for your business, there are quite a few steps you can take to narrow down your options:
- Begin by identifying Winnipeg trade shows that align with your organization’s industry, niche, and expertise:
- Check the schedule of events happening at major Winnipeg venues.
- Pay attention to events being promoted through industry organizations.
- Find out which events your competitors are attending.
- Consider your schedule, staffing needs, goals, and budget (see above).
- Research specific events in more depth. Consider:
- The history and reputation of the event
- Exhibitor lists from past years
- The number of attendees
- The size, scale, and cost of the event
- What supports are provided for exhibitors
- Seek out reviews and testimonials about the event – including from business owners who have previously attended.
The Registration Process
The actual process of registering to be an exhibitor at a trade show isn’t usually complex, but it’s important to understand exactly what you’re getting into and stay on top of any deadlines along the way. Let’s take a closer look:
Online Registration Platforms And Requirements
In today’s digital world, online exhibitor registration is standard for most trade shows. While every event will have its own specific registration process, timeline, and requirements, you’ll typically need to provide the following:
- Company information
- Basic contact details
- Payment for any registration fees
Booth Selection And Pricing Options
Booth selection can have a major impact on your success as an exhibitor at a trade show. While a standard-sized booth in the middle of an aisle will usually be your most economical choice, options like corner booths, premium booths, or corner booths that allow for visibility from multiple directions can be game-changers.
When selecting your booth size and location, be sure you understand exactly what’s included in the fee you’ll pay – and don’t be afraid to contact the organizers directly with any specific questions. In many cases, there are extra charges for services like electricity and internet, cleaning, or security.
Essential Documentation And Requirements
Every event has slightly different requirements for its exhibitors, so be sure to read all communications carefully and stay on top of what’s expected:
Business Licences And Insurance Requirements
Pay attention to the fine print. While an active business licence is often all that’s needed to set up a booth at a trade show, some events may also require other temporary licences or permits – especially if you’re selling products at your booth. Such licences and permits can usually be obtained through the City of Winnipeg, or sometimes directly through the event organizer.
In terms of insurance, it’s best to check the requirements set out by the event organizer. General liability insurance is typically mandatory, but you may also wish to consider other types of coverage – such as product liability or workers’ compensation. Many insurance providers offer trade show coverage packages specifically tailored to the needs of exhibitors.
Maximizing Your Trade Show Investment
Maximize your trade show investment by:
- Setting clear goals and a realistic budget
- Choosing the right trade show
- Investing in standout booth design and setup
- Effectively engaging attendees during the event
- Collecting quality leads
- Measuring your success and ROI after the event to plan improvements for next time
Start Your Winnipeg Trade Show Journey Today
At Pinnacle Event Rentals, we’re here to help you maximize your presence at your next trade show – whether it’s your first event or your hundredth. Contact us directly to discuss your needs and begin exploring a world of custom possibilities!