Attract Visitors to Your Trade Show Exhibit with Smell

Kristin Hovde

Smash Hit Displays

Having trouble getting people to your booth?

Sense of smell is a powerful tool Allows you to get attention from across the

trade show floor But be careful… some scents may be

offensive

Some scents to be cautious of

Fresh cut flowers or grass – Some people may have allergies, so this may cause attendees to run from your display instead of drawing them in.

Perfumes – Some perfumes may be too overpowering for some people. What you think is a great perfume may be offensive to others.

Scents that are welcoming at conventions:

Baked goods (i.e. cookies, cakes, pies) Calming scents- lavender, vanilla Coffee and tea

Baked Goods

Hours of walking the trade show floor can make you hungry.

Keep a small portable oven or popcorn machine at your convention booth to keep your goodies warm and keeping the freshly made smell around your display.

Of course, check with the venue’s regulations to make sure it is ok to have a portable oven.

Great smells include popcorn, cookies, doughnuts

Coffee and Tea

Trade shows can physically drain you of any and all energy you may have had.

Just the smell of coffee can perk up just about anyone.

Give the attendees a variety by offering tea, water, or juice.

What demographic likes what smell?

According to Exhibitor Magazine: Age 18-35: Heated plastic, bubble gum, baby powder, Axe-like

colognes and body sprays, coffees, teas, and mojitosAge 36-50: Play-Doh, Pez, Crayola crayons, Keds, Sweet Tarts,

mimeograph sheets, chlorine, bubble gum, baby powder, suntan lotion, and vanilla

Age 51 and over: Grass, trees, hay, horses, wood, sand, the ocean, and snow

Male: New car, tires, fresh-cut grass, and spicy and woody scentsFemale: Lavender, vanilla, floral, and sweet and musky

fragrances

Before choosing a scent…

Think about your target market. For more trade show tips, check out

Smash Hit Displays’ Blog.