If you've never been to a trade show before, or loathed it the last time you went, there are a few tricks to making it a comfortable experience. Whether you're a consumer or are running a company booth, there are a few things you to need to plan for. I generally suggest making up a checklist to bounce off of prior to leaving for any trade show.
First, remember that hunger and thirst are never fun. However, don't rely on restaurants! Eating out invariably costs too much and can really wreck waistlines. Pack a small cooler with fruit, sandwiches and bottled drinks instead. Avoid caffeinated drinks, caffeine makes the body lose water quickly. Electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade are only necessary for extreme sports. Drink plain water at regular intervals throughout the day, and you should be fine. Use a cooler that fits easily in a car trunk or under a table, and don't leave it out in the sun all day.
While trade shows are not usually considered hazardous to one's health, use simple, common sense safety precautions. Wear sensible shoes with cushioned soles to any convention. If the trade show is outside, remember to wear at least SPF 15 sunscreen. Pay attention to your stress levels, and take breaks when you need to.
Additionally, make sure you have somewhere decent to sit. If you're representing your company, get a comfy
recreational folding chair with your company's logo emblazoned prominently. If you're browsing, a camping chair that folds into a carry bag is probably a better bet, so you can have it conveniently to hand whenever you might need it. No matter what, a comfortable chair during a long trade show is a must.
Remember to bring along notepads and a pen or pencil, you're guaranteed to need them no matter what. If in a booth, bring games to liven up the show! That'll break up any long day and get attention to your booth.
Now that you have all the basics, have fun at your trade show! Happy people having fun is what networking's all about.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Make A Plan
Plan everything you're going to need, and get it all together.
I recommend: The month before the trade show, make up a list of everything you could possibly need, both personally and professionally. A few days later, reassess the list. Did you forget anything? Is there anything that can be removed?
Get Your Kit Together
Always put everything together well in advance of going. Murphy's Law of Trade Shows states, if you put this step off till the last minute, you will inevitably forget the most important thing.
I recommend: Three days before going, organize everything you'll need where you can see it, such as paperwork, pens, folding chairs, etc. Put everything you do not need for the next three days in the car right then. The night before, repeat this step.
Check Everything!
Before you start off, go through your checklist and visually verify everything.
I recommend: Stop. Breathe. Now, check off the checklist like it was the first time you've ever seen it. Do not check off anything as done just because you remember it.
Stop Worrying and Have Fun!
If you followed the rest of the plan, this should be easy.
I recommend: Laughter, networking, and deep discussions about your professional life passions.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- Professionalism and fun are not mutually exclusive. The professionals we like the best are the ones who obviously love their work.
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