When it comes to choosing a hostess for a trade show stand, there tends to be a lot of uncertainty. The bottomline is that there are some difficult decisions to make. So, here is a quick Q&A of some of the most frequently asked questions with regards to hostesses.
Do I really need a hostess?
The quick answer is yes. Unless you have a highly specialized sales team or an extremely tight budget, hostesses help create a vitally sound and inviting environment for fair-goers. Don’t underestimate their value, hostesses are professionals and can also be valuable salespersons.
What type of hostess am I looking for?
There are several routes to take to find the right hostess for you. Let’s start by categorizing the types of services available.
Traditional Model
If your one wish is to have a pretty face that can attract passersby and make them feel comfortable at your stand, try hiring a traditional model. Traditional models make good hostesses if the extent of their role is to look good and pass out flyers. For this type of hostess simply contact any traditional model agency that offers hosting services.
Brand Ambassador
These booth hostesses are usually perkier and somewhat clever. Brand ambassadors typically come at a lower cost, as well. Normally brand ambassadors are new to the game of hosting as it is more of an entry-level position. The important thing to note is that brand ambassadors, unlike traditional models, are pre-qualified professionals that do their homework to prepare for each show.
Product Demonstrators
These types of hostesses are much more specialized to a specific set of products or services. They have the training to speak intelligently to stand attendees in detail.
Lead Generators
Lead Generators are hostesses that have learned about the product and company prior to the event. They are very skilled in their ability to focus on finding specific people and attracting them to discuss business to generate valuable sales leads.
What am I looking for in a professional hostess?
In searching for a professional hostesses, seek ones that convey energy and engagement. They should be able to grab the attention of passersby and establish your brand creating an attractive and positive image whilst gathering info and generating leads
How do I choose the proper agency?
Try to use a recommendation from someone you trust or ask the agency for a referral. Also, before settling too soon, consider how old the company is and if they are of geographical proximity to ensure that the service will be a safe valuable investment. Also, be sure that the hostesses protect your brand image, the image of the staff should align with the image you want for your company.
What other considerations are there to have in mind?
Keep in mind that there are a lot of minor details to consider based on the location of the fair or the industry involved. If there is a show occurring in a strongly bilingual region, try to request a hostess who can accommodate both languages. Or, if you are particular about having intelligent staffing, ask for for a specialist in your specific industry.