Landing corporate events can be a great way to get exposure and generate revenue for a photo booth business. Corporate parties, conferences, galas, and team building activities are all prime spots to bring your photo booth and capture some profits. However, finding the right people to book and securing the gig presents some challenges. Follow these tips to successfully score corporate events for your photo booth company.
Get Listed
Many corporate event planners search vendor listings online to find services for their company’s functions. Getting listed on some key industry websites and directories can help put your photo booth business on the radar. Some top sites to consider:
In addition to third-party listing sites, look for ways to get listed directly through venues that host corporate events in your city.
Go Looking for Clients
Attending industry conferences and corporate events yourself can be a great way to network and market your photo booth services face-to-face. Some places you’re likely to encounter key corporate decision makers include:
- Bridal shows and wedding expos – Many corporate event planners also coordinate company holiday parties and other personal celebrations
- Conferences and seminars planners attend, like those run by Meeting Professionals International
- Social events at hotels and country clubs that commonly host corporate group functions
Make up some sharp looking professional collateral you can hand out, like business cards, flyers, and branded pens or calculators. Have promotions and deals ready to discuss to help secure future bookings on the spot.
Provide a Free Demo
Providing a free onsite product demo is an extremely effective way to showcase your iPad photobooth to corporate clients. Many companies will be willing to host you for a couple hours if it comes at no charge to preview your setup and capabilities.
Make sure to bring banner stands, backdrops, example photo templates, and props so the decision makers get a clear vision of how engaging and professional your vendor booth can be. Provide free printed photos from the event and follow up within 24 hours with a call or email reminding them of the special packages you discussed.
Customize Your Approach
To maximize your chances of getting corporate gigs, it’s best not to take a one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to research the types of companies you’re pitching and highlight the most relevant capabilities for their needs.
For example, if meeting with a tech company planning a developer’s conference, talk up any high-tech features like animated GIF strips, green screen effects, live social media integration. For a company holiday party, push the fun bonding experience your open air booth and array of props can facilitate among their employees.
Showcase Your Skills at Industry Events
Attending conferences and seminars frequented by corporate event planners is a prime opportunity to directly showcase your photo booth business. Come equipped with glossy flyers highlighting your offerings and niche advantages that will appeal to companies. Have special promotional packages ready to discuss onsite and seal future bookings.
Some top events to consider hitting include:
- Meetings and incentive industry trade shows
- Hotel and venue supplier fairs
- Local business association mixers
Getting face-time even for brief conversations can leave an impression securing your spot in planners’ minds for upcoming events.
Final Words
Follow these methods to get your foot in the door booking corporate events and expand your client roster beyond the weddings and parties that sustain most photo booth companies. The higher rates, bigger audience reach, and branding exposure possible through big business events make this a worthwhile avenue to pursue. Adjust your talking points to resonate with corporate decision makers and soon your calendar will be filling up fast!