Tips for Non-Exhibiting Attendees

You are going to the show and want to make the most of your time. You are looking for new opportunities, new knowledge and likely exploring new vendor relationships. In other words, you are looking for solutions to business issues such as increased revenue, greater profits or manufacturing issues. The great news is that there is a tremendous amount of information available at the show. The bad news is that there is a tremendous amount of information available at the show.

How do you make the most effective use of your time? Here are some tricks that are used by veteran tradeshow and convention attendees.

TIP 1: DECIDE IN ADVANCE WHAT YOUR GOAL IS.

There will be too much information for you to take in during any worthwhile show, and the natural tendency is to get distracted.
Plan in advance what you want to accomplish and stick to your plan.

TIP 2: SHARE YOUR GOAL.

Make your goal part of your greeting. When stepping up to a booth, introduce yourself and clearly state what your goal for the show is.
I am at the show to see what new products I might add to increase my sales next year”.

TIP 3: COLLECT USEFUL INFORMATION.

Leave the material collection bags in the lobby.
Instead of becoming a pack-rat (I probably still have somebody’s marketing material from last year’s show in a box, file or pile somewhere, unread of course), print out pre-addressed mailing labels and hand them out to people from whom you truly desire information. Let them ship it directly to your office for you.
Saves you money, time and cuts down on the amount of junk you don’t really want or need anyway.

TIP 4: DON’T EAT ALONE.

Even in a crowd, there remains a tendency to eat alone.
If you see someone sitting alone in a restaurant wearing a show badge, ask to join them or ask those waiting in line to join you. Remember to tell them why you are at the show, they may have found the perfect solution for you.
Who knows, you might be the perfect solution for them!

TIP 5: ENTHUSIASM.

Exhibitors, contrary to what you may think, are humans just like you. They get tired standing, just like you get weary walking.
Greet exhibitors with enthusiasm and friendliness and they will show more interest in you and your needs. Exhibitors have made a large investment to help you! And like buyers, exhibitors are looking to do business with people they enjoy spending time with.
Approach a booth with bored or arrogant attitude and chances are, you won’t get much from the show.

TIP 6: FOLLOW UP.

Keep a small notepad (or index cards) in your pocket to write down the names of the companies and people you want to make a point of contacting after the show.
Don’t leave it up to the exhibitor to follow up (though they should) as contact information can become lost.