You're attending a trade show. How can you maximize your experience?

Reach out to exhibitors before you go and see how you are treated. Those that can manage you and organise to catch-up should already be given a tick. The professionalism of their approach in this regard will be a good indicator of how they will service you in the future.

Turn the tables....most people at their tables are just there to push their product or service. Offer to help them with your network and clients. This has proven super effective with me as it is something they never expect! Also, bring someone who is similar to you, but not in the same position so you can offer a different perspective and network when meeting and greeting others.

Start with simple things first; if you are attending as seller, make sure you understand the profile of attendees/buyers that you would like to meet so that you can have an effective discussion during the trade show. Be conscious on the time frame as you don't want to spend too much time on unnecessary discussions. Also, if it is your first time in the area make sure you know exactly how to get to the venue, sometimes they have different spot/area within the location so important to understand where you need to be for your appointments.

To maximize your trade show experience, define your goals, research exhibitors, create an agenda, and register for workshops. During the fair, arrive early, dress professionally, be proactive, ask questions, collect business cards, and attend social events. After the fair, follow exhibitors on social media, send follow-up emails and analyze the results. Staying until the end of the fair can be advantageous as exhibitors may be more willing to negotiate and there are fewer people at the fair. The most important thing is to be proactive, network and have fun!

Probably the worst strategy is to 'show up' With large trade shows, it is impossible to meet all of the appropriate delegates, speakers, and vendors. My Recommendations 1) Are you sending enough people on the team? 2) Have you segmented the various stakeholder groups by priority and which person on the team should be specifically responsible for the engagement? 3) Developed a list by staff/team member for event targets and plan of action. 4) Track progress for initial engagement, connections, scheduling, and/or decline to connect (and why?) 5) Send reminders for appointments and fly-bys. 6) Complete onsite meetings and establish next steps. 7) Work these plans.

Strategically PREPARE: Why are you going? What's your purpose? Does everyone in your organization know how they fit into the "why"? Tradeshows are critical for marketing and sales teams, but they're also great opportunities for customer service, supply chain, and accounting. Yes! Accounting. This is a chance to pull up a chair with major clients, and resolve problems face to face or plan for the future together. Be strategic and intentional. As another contributor said, if you wait until you get there, you're too late.

To maximize your trade show experience, you may want to know what speakers will be attending the show. I always check in with the local newspaper and radio stations a few weeks before the show to see if they have any deals to offer for new clients. This may help to create a buzz about your product or service. Let customers know you will be at the show and are offering some great deals. Make sure you are show ready. You need to know everything about your product or service so you can be confident answering questions. You may also want to bring some paperwork for those that may want to order or sign up later on. Most important is smile, be friendly and have fun.

It all depends on your reason for attending. If you have specific goals, concentrate on those and prepare to make the most of the face-to-face opportunities. However, if your aim is more expansive, consider engaging in as many activities and onsite learning opportunities as possible. Engage with everyone from attendees to exhibitors and speakers. We exist in an era where opportunities can arise from any quarter, be it a competitor, a new prospect, or a fresh investment

Have a plan and guard your schedule so that you can accomplish your goals. As a member of the media, I have companies that seek us out and I have to be willing to say no or my schedule fills out so fast, I cannot see who I want.

Faites une analyse précise des salons concurrents ou complémentaires, pour être sûre de la légitimité de celui que vous aurez choisi pour exposer. Étudier les chiffres de fréquentation, ainsi que le profil des visiteurs qui sont vos acheteurs potentiels. Assurez-vous d’y rencontrer votre marché. Analyser la qualité des conférences proposées en complément de la partie exposition. Cela vous apportera des preuves de la qualité et de la réputation de ce salon.

Trade show ROI is determined long before you get there. If you or your sales team are not reaching out proactively to set up meetings in advance of the event, you are just hoping and praying people come by to see you. Don't leave your investments to luck.

As far in advance as possible, connect with the show organizers and ask for them to share pre-registered media lists, lists of unofficial events, etc. This will allow you to schedule meetings with important people in advance, rather than waiting until you are on the show floor and in the midst of the chaos.

Once you have selected a trade show, do some homework on the event, the exhibitors, and the attendees. Visit the trade show website, read the agenda, and browse the exhibitor list. Identify the most relevant and interesting sessions, booths, and speakers for your goals. Find out who else is attending, and reach out to them via email, social media, or the event app. Schedule meetings, ask questions, and express your interest.

The main value of any large gathering of people in your industry is to maximize the amount of time you spend engaged in meaningful conversations. Time spent researching attendees and scheduling meetings in advance will help you maximize this value. Once the conference starts, finding a way to start out of the crowd will help draw people to you to start those spontaneous conversations that turn into some of the most valuable connections. Wearing attention grabbing clothing or accessories may seem like a silly idea but this hack really works! Investing in unique branded shirts for your team such as the unique branded polo shirts from Spark Polo are a great option for teams attending events together. They definitely start a conversation!

I have found that attending workshops and visiting other people's booths really helped me to network without feeling awkward about it. Making cold calls and cold email introductions is not fun! Besides, if everyone is emailing the pre-registration list for meetings and you don't get one booked, one can feel like it's all a waste of time. If you can afford it, host a reception and invite people to attend in advance so that they can accept it and meet you in a relaxed setting.

During the event I like to walk around and see other exhibitors booth, products, giveaways, literature. I like to research competitors, similar companies and new businesses. Everyone at tradeshows is about closing the deal, getting the leads or landing that sales order. However I like to share feedback on what other exhibitors are also doing, what’s trending, what’s not trending.

Visit trade show site. Identify suppliers I want to interact with. Review trade show content and identify sessions and subject matter relevant to my organization and clients's needs. Highlight networking opportunities. Research destination and make an effort to explore the city and unique experiences including cultural opportunities.

Tu marca se asociará a todo el ambiente de la feria, expositores, temas, otros participantes e incluso la sede y servicios de esta. Asegúrate de que esta asociación sea la correcta. Si detectas elementos que no quisieras asociar con tu marca quizás será mejor no participar.

Pre-Show Prep: Maximize Your Trade Show Experience! Don't walk into a trade show unprepared! After choosing your event, do your research: Dive into the website: Explore the agenda, browse the exhibitor list, and identify relevant sessions, booths, and speakers that align with your goals. Network before you arrive: Use the event app or social media to find other attendees. Reach out and schedule meetings to discuss interests and build connections. By being proactive, you'll maximize your time, make valuable connections, and get the most out of the trade show!

Planning beforehand is important to get the most out of the show, be it through industry talks, meetings or networking sessions. Shows can be intimidating if you come unprepared, yet can be hugely beneficial if you do your homework!

Two things I purchase new before every trade show season. New shoes and fresh business cards. Do not be wooed by the idea of a digital business card, print actual cards. Make them a standard size and keep the back blank so folks can write notes. When you collect new cards take notes for everyone you meet.

When I hit a trade show, I’m on the lookout for exhibitors who come prepared. It irks me when they ask about my company after we've scheduled a meeting. It's a clear sign they haven’t done their homework, showcasing a lack of professionalism. I’m there for more than just another product; I seek uniqueness—creativity, innovation, and operational flexibility. These traits tell me you’re more than a vendor; you could be a vital partner. So, a tip: Make your materials and pitch meaningful. Highlight why we should connect and how we could synergize.

When gearing up for a trade show, irrespective of booth size, it is important to prepare your material list to prioritize booth design, display, team outfits, and marketing materials. Booth Design: Whether 10'x10' or stand alone, visual appeal is key. A captivating design using your brand color scheme creates a lasting impression. Product Display: A visual showcase of your product is crucial for creating curiosity and engaging the audience. Team Outfits: Well-designed custom-branded polos, like those from Sparkpolo, reflecting your brand's personality, serve as icebreakers and conversation starters. Marketing Materials: High-quality materials and purposeful swag contribute to your brand perception.

If possible have something that is interactive at your exhibit (industry specific) that will build an audience at your table. It could be as simple as a video or even a tasteful game.

A couple of things I find helpful: 1. Have a plan, remember your purpose. 2. Smile and listen. 3. Venture away from the booth from time to time. Ask questions to other exhibitors. Attend the speaking sessions to learn and meet people. 4. Attend the networking events.

Stand Out at Trade Shows: Essential Materials & Pitches! Make a lasting impression at trade shows, whether you're exhibiting or attending: Professional Marketing Materials: Prepare business cards, brochures, flyers, samples, demos, or portfolios (depending on your goals). Ensure they're visually appealing, consistent with your brand, and available in sufficient quantities. The Perfect Pitch: Craft a concise and captivating elevator pitch that introduces you and your value proposition. Hook attendees and spark conversations!

Business cards & brochures are very rarely required for trade shows. Most organisers offer badge scanners which capture the details of a business card - and more. Some also have networking apps, where you can request a time to meet etc. We all want to be more sustainable, so reduce your printed items. Make digital content/brochures available via email or a QR code. Stand graphics can usually be recycled and most stand decor can be rented. Which employees are you taking? Sale people? Techical experts? Coach your team on talking to strangers, using open questions, smiling etc. One of the best people I ever saw working a stand was a receptionist. She was friendly, comfortable talking to strangers and knew the whole company.

Give yourself plenty of time when designing and creating your trade show literature. Not only do approvals can take time, but you need to account for printing and shipping times. Plan ahead as much as you can!

I agree with the recommendation to prepare your materials, elevator pitch, etc., just make sure you’re being authentic when speaking to new contacts or networking, there’s nothing worse than meeting someone with a pitch prepared that sounds robotic and canned.

Always have business cards or a QR ready to share your information. Unless you’re an exhibitor don’t bring catalogues or any other messy materials…. And please please be polite and do not leave your marketing materials at someone else booth… is rude unprofessional and it’ll leave at the trash can

Know your target group + goals, and make sure you’re not keeping it a secret: the entire team needs to know. No goal ->no measurement of success (or lack thereof). If you are an exhibitor: don’t underestimate yourself. Don’t wait for organizers to “serve” visitors to your booth. It is their job to do extensive visitor marketing - no doubt -, but the main impact is + remains the attraction of the companies displaying their products & solutions. Guest & invitation management is the key to success. Reach out to your customer and potential base + let them know about the show you’re attending. It IS a platform for all market-players and you will be sure to benefit from the invitation management and show marketing from others around you as well.

Get out of the aisle! Some of my greatest finds and conversations were with the reps who were too intimidated to leave the safety of their booths. Go where the people are, always.

Like a salesperson who has the guts to cold call, the people who make an effort and reach out into the aisle to capture attention are the ones who get results. Your booth must stop traffic, focus attention, and deliver a message that tells your ideal prospect "This is for you." You need something that says "stop, look here, right now... because this is important to you." If you stand back and wait for people to come to you, your prospects will get intercepted your proactive competitors' booths.

See your interaction from the other person's perspective. do you want to be the one just pushing your agenda (buy my stuff) or do you want to create a lasting win-win relationship? How can you deliver value to this other person's life/business, how can you save them time, money or energy?

Picture this: a considerably large booth spot with product nicely displayed in cases and on racks. A screen or two showing their products in action, and a large table with all of the company’s employees gathered around laughing and drinking coffee. The topic being discussed? Where are we going to eat tonight. If I had a dime for every vendor in the last 30 some odd years that fit this mold I’d have enough money to probably retire and not attend trade shows. It’s not rocket science. Like everyone has already said, be engaging. Recognize people coming in and out of your area. And in my line of work it’s hard sometimes to distinguish a possible B2B customer and one who is not. Just treat everyone the same. You’d be amazed at what you’ll find.

Engage, engage, engage and don't forget to show that smile! Have your business cards available for quick access so you are not fumbling around trying to find them. This wonderful a time to work the room and build relationships. You never know what may happen unless you get from behind that booth.

People choose to attend the event & want to make connections. So, the environment & accepted behavior is different. Stand at the edge of your booth & smile. Don't just hand out flyers. Use open questions to start conversations. If you're visiting, go through the exhibitor & speaker list and select those you want to see. Nervous about networking? Take a colleague with you, split up to cover the show booths & sessions. Reunite for networking activities. Don't bother with business cards. Connect on LinkedIn, the event networking app or swap numbers. Follow up all connections straight after the event and make sure it's more than 'nice to meet you'. How can you help each other - introductions, ideas, information etc.

Don't judge a book by it's cover... Don't judge a person by their badge Don't assume the person wearing the badge is who they say they are and work and have the position it says they do. Be nice to everyone, make a connection, help a friend.

Na feira é importante observar quem está olhando pro stand, curioso e interessado, é a hora de fazer contato visual e convidar para entrar. Se entrarem sozinhos, aborde com muita educação, gentileza e entenda quem é a pessoa, para passar a informação correta, e, se não for o público-alvo, ser mais sucinto e rápido para poder ter mais tempo com os potenciais clientes.

Be Bold! Network Your Way to Trade Show Success! Trade shows are all about connections! Don't be passive - take charge and make the most of every interaction: Target Your Time: Actively visit booths and attend sessions that align with your goals. Introduce yourself to exhibitors and speakers. Engage & Exchange: Ask insightful questions, listen actively, and share your expertise. Connect via business cards and follow up with a thank you note or a call to action. Network Like a Pro: Mingle with other attendees, attend social events, and build valuable connections that can turn into partnerships or collaborations. By being proactive and engaging, you'll transform a trade show into a springboard for success!

Crucial step but don't do it right away. These shows can be a lot. Lots of mental energy and peopling lol Set a time a few days after to sit down and reflect on your experience. The connections you made, conversations you had. Just give it a few days to simmer so you can take it all in.

What I think will help is to approach trade shows with a holistic mindset. You can gain insights into the latest industry trends, challenges, and opportunities, as well as receive feedback on your skills and products. Take notes, collect data, and evaluate your performance to continually adjust your strategy, materials, and pitch as needed.

One needs to be flexible and adjust any pitch or presentation to the buyers' interest and needs. Reading the audience so to speak.

If you are not following through with your trade show connections, then you are really not maximizing your investment. Post-event, you should be adding your new connections on LinkedIn and/or emailing them so that you can stay top of mind. 80% of your messages to new connections might be the same, but adding something about how you connected or what you talked about can help personalize your message. If you have a marketing department, having them follow up with marketing materials or eblasts can also help establish multiple touch points with a new connection.

Use dedicated software that will enable you to digitalise and automate follow up processes backed by powerful analytics. The software is called QuickConnect developed by Acenta.

Most people forget about the lukewarm leads from the show. It's just as important to build a follow up plan that reaches and nurtures those contacts. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a tradeshow, given my business card, and received no follow up. Or only 1 follow up email, a month later. A good best practice is to play for 5-10 post event touch points. Pre-plan really valuable content that will be sent to all non-hot leads over a period of 3-4 weeks. And at least 2 of those touch points should be phone calls (proves you are human), and 1-2 should be through LinkedIn. (Assuming a B2B target). Doing these things usually double your lead generation from any tradeshow.

It's very important to preshow plan and create a calendar of activities. It will help you stay focused on the goals you have set for yourself for attending this event. Take notes during the show to better assist you in your post-show follow-up. The notes will enable you to keep the data organized. It also provides a valuable resource for use long after your attendance.

Asegúrate de mantener contacto con todos con quienes interactuaste y más si te comprometiste a algo en concreto. Una llamada o un correo a tiempo te permitirá estar en la jugada. Asegúrate de pasar el dato al área correspondiente de tu empresa que sería la ideal para darle el seguimiento correcto.

I cant stress enough how important it is to make notes after an meaningful interaction. A large trade show can be quite the whirlwind. Having simple notes on leads you plan to follow up with after can set you above the rest! Ask important contacts their preference for following up, add them on a professional networking platform like LinkedIn and be sure to reference something from your conversation when you send that follow up email.

Immediately after the tradeshow, organize the contact information you've collected from leads, clients, and other connections. Categorize them based on priority or interest level. Send out a quick follow-up within 24-48 hours to all contacts. This can be a simple thank-you email, expressing appreciation for their time and interest. Personalize communications based on the conversations you had with each contact. Mention specific points discussed to demonstrate attentiveness and to resume the conversation. Remember, the post-tradeshow follow-up is just as crucial as the event itself, as it sets the foundation for building long-term relationships and driving sales.

Often people ask 'how was the show', immediately after. And while it is important to effectively reach your target audience DURING a show, it is even more important to maintain those (new) relationships AFTER any show. Building trust takes time, but that is where business comes from in the long run!

To truly leverage trade show opportunities, focus on pre-event planning and post-show follow-up. Ensure your booth is engaging and captures leads effectively. Utilize social media to amplify your presence and engage with attendees digitally. Networking beyond your booth can uncover valuable connections. Remember, the work doesn't end with the event; follow up with new contacts to foster relationships and convert leads into opportunities. Incorporating these strategies can transform your trade show experience into a pivotal growth moment for your business.

The effort you put into organising collateral, signage, materials, and presentations/keynotes is an investment that you can benefit from with returns long after the event has concluded. Consider how you can leverage these assets beyond the show floor. Transform presentations into insightful articles, convert event highlights into engaging videos, and repurpose signage and materials for continued brand visibility and event content for those who may have missed it. By extending the lifespan of your tradeshow efforts through strategic content creation, you maximise your ROI and ensure your message resonates far beyond the event itself.

Take breaks and stay energized: Trade shows can be overwhelming with long hours and constant activity. Take regular breaks to rest, hydrate, and recharge. Use these breaks to review your notes, follow up with new contacts, or simply relax and absorb the information you've gathered.

With over 40 years attending trade shows both local and international, my goal depends whether I am an exhibitor or a visitor. As an exhibitor, the aim is to cater to walk in potential clients, meet with existing customers at the booth and/or conduct workshop. As trade visitor, my goal is to meet prospective suppliers and gather data ftom them.

Leveraging the host destination can significantly enhance your trade show experience outside of the event itinerary. Consider scheduling business contacts, tech tours, and academic research visits to deepen your understanding of the local industry landscape. Additionally, immersing yourself in the local culture and contributing positively to the visitor economy can forge meaningful connections and leave a lasting impact. It's a win-win-win.

In brief, do not try to be all things to all people. That will not work. The days of turning up and winging it are past. I say this as someone that arrived on site with a box of brochures and a happy heart, hoping to snare leads as they passed. I had a three second window to stop them, engage them, and get a commitment. And while I was doing that others were passing. This is not an effective strategy. Make sure to have handouts. You will cover more ground.

Collaboration is key! In our case, where we represent a variety of accommodation and activities, this has proven invaluable for the participating properties and businesses: 'a rising tide lifts all boats', and one property sparking interest will inevitably benefit the others too, if only through creating bigger brand awareness.

If possible, attend a trade show hosted by the same organizer as a guest and study the exhibitors. What did they bring? How did they design their booth? How did they engage you? Set very firm goals for yourself on the amount of leads you want to gain and reverse engineer. Come fully prepared with sufficient team members and things like water, snacks,gums, pens to survive the weekend. Material and booth are great but the mood and demeanor of the booth team correlates into your lead responses. Be comfortable and have fun

Renseignez-vous sur les différents évènements qui sont proposés par les organisateurs du salon : cocktail des exposants, conférences et tables rondes proposées en exclusivité aux exposants, un service de presse qui communique sur vos produits et services, des écrans géants présents dans le salon qui peuvent relayer une information vous concernant, un studio télé, pour vous permettre de vous exprimer et de créer du contenu que vous pourrez exploiter à la suite du salon… Les organisateurs du salon ont toujours de beaux supports à vous proposer pour être visible en parallèle de votre stand.

Make a list of the exhibitors that you want to visit and what you want to accomplish when you do. Set up meetings in advance with the appropriate people who can help you achieve your goals.