What to Wear to Your First Virtual Trade Show

There’s no question that trade shows play a considerable marketing role for various business industries worldwide. These events allow business professionals to network and build relationships with potential brand partners. With current restrictions on mass gatherings, businesses and clients had to pivot to a digitally-driven marketplace faster than anyone could have expected. As businesses and consumers find with technology, events like virtual trade shows can step in and fill the void left by in-person conferences, tradeshows, and other large events. While it is true that the success of a virtual trade show exhibit will ultimately be determined by a variety of things like branding, product information, and engagement, equally important but sometimes overlooked is the personal appearance of the staff presenting on behalf of your exhibit.

Trade Show Attire Important

Clothing indeed has no bearing on how skilled or competent your staff is when describing the features and benefits of your product or services. However, whether in person or virtual, people are visual creatures, and, in this scenario, clothing does play a role in how a business is perceived. How your staff presents themselves is a direct reflection of your organization. Your company representatives must look and behave in a professional manner that aligns with your business’s reputation within your industry.

With an in-person event, tradeshow participants only get a few seconds to convince and impress an attendee to engage with their booth. It’s equally hard to do this virtually, so there is no room for error when it comes to appearance. To make each virtual second count, you can’t afford to drop the ball on the appearance of your exhibit staff.

With appropriate attire and a professional attitude, your team will be ready to impress visitors and leave a lasting mark even in a virtual space. Here are a few wardrobe suggestions on what to wear to your first virtual trade show.

Trade Show Attire

In general, there are three common types of acceptable business attire:

  • Business formal
  • Business professional
  • Business casual

Due to the nature of tradeshows, it is typical to see staff adopt uniform shirts and business shirts.

Business casual standard options include:

  • Button-downed dress shirts
  • A professional sweater or vest
  • Custom polo shirts or collared shirts
  • Casual slacks such as chinos, khakis, dress pants
  • A basic skirt
  • Flat or low-heeled shoe

Even though your event will be virtual, it doesn’t mean you will be glued to your seat. (In fact, we suggest you don’t, especially if your goal is to be interactive with your audience.) If you plan to stand while you present or have your attendees stand or move around to increase engagement, wear appropriate clothes from head to toe and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. If you decide you want to kick up your appearance a bit, you can choose to wear business formal attire. It’s not required for the actual trade show exhibit, but you might want to change clothes during special moments like an award ceremony.

Formal Attire Suggestions (Men)

  • A dark-colored suit
  • A dress shirt
  • A professional tie
  • Shoes to match, such as black oxfords

Formal Attire Suggestions (Women)

  • A suit with a professional dress, skirt, or pants, with a matching jacket
  • A collard blouse or a dressy shirt
  • A pair of closed-toe shoes

Again, while your event may be virtual, going the extra mile in appearance can set you apart from your competitors.

Which Style Is Right for Your Industry?

Your style is reflective of whether or not you are representing a specific industry or a corporate brand. It could be a smart marketing move to have your staff dress in a way that is reflective of the service or product that your company provides. For example, an outdoors brand might outfit staff in a custom uniform work vest or branded business hats.

Step Up Your Coordination Game

Your virtual trade show booth staff’s cohesive look is a huge part of preparing for the event. This small yet essential piece reinforces the company’s brand identity and message. If you want your staff to all look as similar as possible, a uniform approach may be the way to go; especially if your company employs staff who wear company uniforms. You can even try company branded face masks instead of traditional uniforms. It also may be a good idea to offer your staff the flexibility to wear what they want as long as it fits into the theme of each day. Maybe there’s a particular color or specific type of shirt. Keep in mind that if you desire to have your staff look like a team, a little bit of united conformity will have to happen.

Success! You’ve Found the Look

Clothes are essential, but it takes a combination of things for your virtual tradeshow to succeed. Make sure your virtual staff is prepared, looks great, and presents your product or services well. When all of these elements are combined, you’re destined to impress visitors even through a computer screen.