|
Visiting a Tradeshow - 30 Quick Tips
Exhibitors often have to reverse roles and find themselves
on the other side of the aisle playing tradeshow attendee.
According to a CEIR (Center for Exhibition Industry
Research) study, 39% of attendees spend less than eight
hours visiting a show. As with exhibiting, planning
and preparation are essential to maximizing time on
the trade show floor. The following 30 points will help
simplify the process next time you find yourself playing
visitor:
Before the Show:
1. Know what you want to achieve by visiting the show
and if the company is sending you understand what your
boss wants you to achieve by attending the show.
2. Develop a plan of which exhibitors you want to visit
and then organize your list into two parts - "must
see" and "want to see" companies.
3. Decide how much time you want to spend at the show
and then at each booth. Allow extra time for browsing,
distractions and waiting in lines.
4. Find out who else from your company is going to the
show and develop a plan to maximize your visit, especially
at large shows.
5. Know what information you need to have from each
exhibitor. Research different vendors to find out how
they differ and what is most important to you. Then
plan intelligent questions to ask them.
6. Design a lead gathering form to research for specific
products/services to make accurate comparisons.
7. Make appointments with exhibitors you really want
to meet with.
8. Get map of where exhibitors located and prioritize
your route.
9. Take plenty of business cards to avoid filling out
forms.
10. Pack comfortable shoes and clothing to wear on the
show floor. Walking shows is extremely tiring. Try insoles
for extra comfort. Remember to leave room for things
to bring back.
11. Take a light and comfortable "carry-all"
for accumulated materials. Plastic bags are often uncomfortable
as they cut into your hands.
12. Make travel and hotel reservations early to maximize
on discounted rates.
13. Stay at a hotel closest to the convention site to
save on traveling and to give you a place to rest, sort
through information gathered, and refocus your energy.
14. Plan the seminars/workshops you want to attend.
Split sessions with your colleagues to maximize data
gathering.
15. Pre-register for the event and arrive 30 minutes
before opening to avoid standing in long lines.
At the Show:
16. Revise your plan at the show. The show directory
and schedule often changes several times before a show.
17. Collect information that is of interest to you or
that might interest others in your company. Request
literature and samples be mailed instead of having to
carry them with you.
18. Obtain a map of the city and know how to get to
the convention center.
19. Tell exhibitors you are on a tight time schedule
to avoid casual chatter and get straight down to business.
20. Look for networking opportunities. Network with
industry leaders. Get invited to exhibitors hospitality
suites/ receptions. At workshops introduce yourself
to people around you - hand out/collect business cards.
Hook up with new contacts at mealtimes for added information
21. Skip overly crowded booths and plan to come at end
of day when traffic is slower.
22. Check coats and bags so you don't have to drag them
around with you.
23. Carry a pad and pen to jot down important notes,
or have small tape recorder for note taking.
24. Take a break after a few hours to refresh and get
some fresh air. Air in convention halls is dry, stale
and draining. Drink water instead of pop/beer regularly
to avoid dehydration.
25. Write a trip report as you go along and summarize
your notes every evening.
26 Be prepared to push for answers to questions exhibitors
are not prepared to answer.
27. Avoid conversations with vendors you have no interest
in.
28. Leave the show about 30 minutes before closing to
avoid long lines for busses and cabs.
After the Show:
29. Plan how you are going to implement information
gathered.
30. Be prepared to follow-up after the show for literature
and samples requests.
|
