How to Get the Most from Postgrad LIVE: An Exhibitor Success Guide

In my previous blog, I explored what thousands of conversations between students and university teams have taught us about postgraduate recruitment – from why students choose to attend study fairs to the importance of reaching them early in their decision-making journey.

But knowing why these conversations matter is only the starting point.

After years of running postgraduate study fairs and seeing first-hand what works on the exhibition floor, I’ve picked up a few simple things that can make a real difference to your Postgrad LIVE experience.

Start the conversation early

One of the simplest ways to maximise your return on investment is to promote your attendance before the study fair takes place.

All Postgrad LIVE exhibitors receive access to our Exhibitor Assets, including ready-made graphics and registration links which can be used across your social media and other channels. A quick post to let prospective students know that you’ll be there gives them the chance to plan ahead and can help you stand out before the event has even begun.

We've often seen students arrive at an event specifically intending to speak with universities they've seen promoting their attendance beforehand, so a little pre-event activity can make a real difference and give them a reason to seek you out.

Add value beyond the website

Something that consistently comes up is that students attend postgraduate fairs because they want access to people. Someone who can listen, answer their questions and offer context around their options.

They already have plenty of information available to them online, from course overviews and entry requirements to fees. What they can't get from a website is an informed perspective from someone who understands the university and what it offers.

That’s why the most successful exhibitors are typically those who bring representatives with a broad knowledge of their institution, courses and admissions processes.

Of course, it's perfectly fine to refer to online resources or specialist colleagues when needed, but students are looking for added value beyond what they can easily find online.

Make your stand inviting

Creating an inviting stand can also help attract attention in a busy exhibition hall.

Branded tablecloths, eye-catching displays, interactive activities and giveaways can all encourage students to start a conversation.

But it’s not all about the “swag”.

Engaged body language matters too. Representatives who are standing, smiling and ready to talk to students tend to attract significantly more visitors than those sitting behind a table.

The same applies to phones and laptops. Of course, there will be times when you need to check your email, but we regularly see students bypass stands where representatives look occupied or unavailable. Spending long periods looking at a screen can therefore do you a disservice, even if you’re only catching up between conversations.

Ultimately, students are more likely to stop when it looks like there’s someone who’s genuinely keen to talk to them. A simple “Hi, what are you interested in?” often goes a long way.

Make the most of lead capture

Every Postgrad LIVE booking includes access to FAUScan, our lead capture app, and I would strongly encourage exhibitors to make full use of it throughout the event.

Each attendee wears a lanyard containing a unique QR code. Scanning the code allows you to instantly capture key information, including contact details and student profile data, as well as add notes about the conversation and their areas of interest.

The “notes” section is something our exhibitors find particularly valuable. A list of names tells you who you spoke to, but a quick note can remind you why you spoke to them.

Recording additional details while the conversation is still fresh means your follow-up can be much more relevant. It also reduces the risk of valuable conversations getting lost once the event is over.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

My team is present at every Postgrad LIVE fair, and we're always happy to help.

Whether you're experiencing technical difficulties, need support with FAUScan, have questions about the venue, or simply need refreshments delivered so your stand isn't left unattended, we're on hand throughout the event.

Our priority is to make the day as straightforward as possible, so you can concentrate on what matters most – speaking to prospective students.

So, if you need something, just ask.

The follow-up is just as important as the fair itself

The end of the event shouldn't be the end of the conversation.

Students attend Postgrad LIVE because they're actively researching their options. Some may be ready to apply that day, others may be months away from making their decision.

Either way, a timely follow-up can help maintain the momentum while your institution is still fresh in their mind.

Whether you invite them to an open day, share programme information or provide application guidance, the key is to give them a useful and relevant next step. Use your FAUScan notes to make your follow-up comms as personal as possible.

A generic email might remind the student that they saw you at the fair. A well-targeted follow-up can keep the conversation going and help move them closer to making an application.

Think beyond the day itself

It’s easy to judge a study fair by what happens on the day; how busy the stand was, how many prospectuses were handed out and how many leads were captured.

But students don’t always make their choice right away. They may need time to compare universities, discuss their options with family, secure funding or simply decide what they want to study.

As I explored in my previous blog, postgraduate recruitment is often a process rather than a single decision. A conversation at Postgrad LIVE could be a student’s first meaningful interaction with your institution, so making a good impression really matters.

The exhibitors who get the most from the event aren’t necessarily those with the biggest stands or the most giveaways. They’re the ones who are approachable, take note of what students are telling them and follow up promptly afterwards.

The fair is just one part of the process. What you do with the leads and insights afterwards is where the real value lies.

Join us at the next event

Find out more about upcoming Postgrad LIVE study fairs and how you can connect with prospective postgraduate students at our events across the UK.