How to Work a Trade Show

Based on our author, Jane Applegate's experience, she's offered some very important tips on how to work a trade show from both the attendee and attender's points of view. Below, is a partial list of her survival tips to make your next trade show trip successful:

For Exhibitors:

- Do your research to select the best show for business development. Talk to colleagues who have attended the same show before you make final plans.

- Read all promotional brochures as soon as they arrive. Take advantage of early-bird discounts on booth space, travel and hotel accommodations.

- Read your exhibitor's kit carefully. There are many confusing forms to fill out. You'll usually have to deal with two or more companies; one producing the conference and another responsible for renting equipment, phone lines and electrical power.

- If you can't afford to buy a custom display, be creative and make one. Our author created a SBTV "studio" on an expo floor by renting stools and bringing along her own backdrop, lights, cameras and glossy "Tell Your Story" posters. Most booths come with one draped table, a few chairs and a trash can.

- Make sure you have a realistic budget. Consider travel expenses: ground transportation, accommodations (ask employees to share rooms if possible), meals, snacks, giveaways and the cost of being out of the office for a few days.

For attendees:

- No matter how tired you are, attend a few seminars and all the group meals. Target industry leaders and contacts you want to meet. Spend some time each day circulating and schmoozing.

- Speak to as many people as you can while waiting in buffet or bathroom lines. You never know who will turn out to be a great contact.

- If a reporter or producer approaches you, give them a good quote for their story.

- Bring three times as many business cards as you think you will need.

- Wear comfortable clothes and a jacket with pockets. I keep my cards in one pocket to hand out. I store cards given to me in the other pocket.

- If you don't have a stylish, comfortable outfit to make a good impression, go shopping before the show.

Remember to follow these tips along with the other remaining tips found in the attached article to ensure your next trade show experience a success. A Smash Hit Displays try to make all our customers experiences successful. Some of the hardware we offer to ensure such success include: fabric popup booths, backlit graphic displays, custom carpet, trade show lighting, table top banner stands, and tradeshow pop up booth.