It’s that time of the year again, all the pain, the agony, the stress, of……. attending the Affiliate Summit. It can be a mass of confusion if you are not prepared, even the experienced have fallen. There is so much to see and so many people to meet and talk to. Which sessions do you attend? How do you get it all done in the allotted time?
Trade shows done right can be a great way of getting your name out, learn more about your industry, and boost profits all in one event. Here are some tips for getting the most out of attending a trade show.
- Goals – Set an “A” list of goals you hope to achieve. Visiting the trade show’s website will help you locate the vendors you want to be sure to visit and their location on the show floor. Be sure to outline specific things you want to find or learn about in ordering your vendors-to-visit list. Draw up a second list of goals you might like to achieve if you have the time. Write down any particular question about any problem your business may be experiencing to get input from experts who are on hand.
- Time – Map out your route around the display floor and be sure to only visit booths if you have a predetermined need to satisfy or outcome you desire. Those manning the booths have different levels of knowledge, so be sure to quickly determine who can best answer your needs.
- Scheduling – Use the primary list of goals you set to schedule advance appointments with exhibitors before the show. Most will be more than willing to meet with you individually if you indicate that you have a particular interest or concern that you want to address.
- Serendipity – Yes, I said serendipity and do not feel less of a man for having said so. Be sure to leave yourself some spare time and don’t schedule yourself down to the minute because there will be things that come up that you may want to spend time exploring. Down time is a perfect time for networking and meeting new people, as well.
- Sessions – Time in sessions is time off the trade show floor. But these are where you can get the most technical answers to your questions and possibly learn something new to take back with you. Choose the seminars that would have the most direct affect on your business or that deal with a major area of concern. Call the seminar leaders beforehand to get a better idea about their presentations.
Trade shows can be a major boost to your business if you approach them correctly and use your time wisely. One of the best ways to make sure that the knowledge of the art of the trade show is passed along at your company is to arrange for a team to attend that consists of old hands as well as neophytes who can be shown the ropes. A new twist to the old trade show is sharing what you learn or what you are offering on social media like Facebook or Twitter.
There you have it folks….plain and simple. Just be prepared, have a plan and have fun. If you plan on attending the ASW and see a charming turbaned individual, it’s probably not me so beware. However, if you want to shoot the shit, just hit me up.
