When the last booth is packed up and the final session wraps, your exhibitors leave having invested time, resources, and trust in your event. How you acknowledge that investment makes all the difference in whether they see your event as a one-time transaction or as the start of an ongoing relationship.

More Than a Transaction: The Power of ‘Thank You’

Think of an event exhibitor the same way you might think of a guest at your wedding or baby shower. After the celebration, most people send a thank-you note. Why? Because it matters. For some, it’s a polite formality—but for others, it cements trust, strengthens bonds, and signals that you value their presence.

The same is true in the events world. A handwritten postcard or personalized thank-you card may seem small, but it communicates something big: We see you, we appreciate you, and we want to continue building with you.

Options for Showing Gratitude

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Associations can mix and match ways to thank exhibitors based on resources, audience, and culture:

• Handwritten notes or postcards – Personal, tangible, and unexpected.
• Digital thank-you messages – A quick, branded email after the event, highlighting key successes and reiterating appreciation.
• Recognition in association media – A spotlight in your newsletter or social media post (“Thank you to our exhibitors for making [Event Name] possible!”) goes a long way.
• Small gifts or tokens – A coffee gift card tucked inside a thank-you note or a branded item mailed post-event shows thoughtfulness without high cost.
• Exclusive insights – Share a short “post-event report” with exhibitor-specific stats: attendee demographics, engagement highlights, or traffic metrics. Data feels like value.
• Survey + reward – Pair a short survey with a raffle or gift card entry. Exhibitors see that their opinion counts, and you gain actionable feedback.
• Personal follow-ups – A call from staff or leadership to key exhibitors thanking them directly and asking how the experience went personalizes the relationship.
• Early-bird privileges – Thank exhibitors by giving them first access to next year’s booth selection, ad placements, or sponsorship opportunities.

Building Trust Beyond the Exhibit Hall

Exhibitor appreciation isn’t just about being polite—it’s about strategy. When exhibitors feel respected and supported, they’re far more likely to return, increase their investment, and even become advocates for your event.

Gratitude is simple; impactful exhibitor relationships are not. By pairing a sincere thank-you with personalization, thoughtful follow-up and strategic touchpoints, you elevate your exhibitor experience from transactional to transformational.

And that’s where associations see the greatest return: not just in filled booths, but in long-term, trusted partnerships.

Ready to partner with a company who appreciates you? Let’s chat.

Paige Elbert is the marketing manager for YGS Association Solutions.

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