5 Tips for Attending Trade Shows

Attending trade shows is a great way to grow your business giving you the best opportunities to take your business to the next level. You have the chance to take advantage of attending classes to expand your knowledge in the industry, network with suppliers, and face-to-face interaction with different companies.

Here are five tips to keep in mind for the next trade show:

  1. Pre-show planning: Pre-registering for the event will speed up the process when arriving at the show and get you in the door with no hassle. Set goals on what you would like to accomplish while at the show – what vendors you would like to visit, what equipment or supplies are needed, which new companies you would like to explore?blog-ts-1
  2. Travel and lodging: Search the event’s website to find out if there is a discounted rate at a reserved hotel. Make your reservations early to receive the best rate. Also keep in mind the distance you are from the event location. Keep it simple and stay in close proximity to save on transportation costs and convenience.blog-ts-2
  3. At the show: Take advantage of show specials and be sure to keep track of the orders you place to stay within your budget. It’s a good idea to take a break every few hours to grab a snack, hydrate, and get some fresh air. A ton of information is poured on you at trade shows (one of the many benefits of attending), however, if you do not allow yourself to decompress you could become easily overwhelmed. Spread your agenda throughout the duration of the show to avoid information overload.Computer generated image - Too much information.
  4. Networking: Attending classes and seminars give you a great opportunity to network with companies and peers.The more you know, the more you gain. Bringing plenty of business cards is also a good idea when networking.blog-ts-4
  5. Post show: Plan how you are going to utilize and implement the information gathered at the show. Expect to have companies follow-up after the show for additional information. Be sure to sort what you have collected at the show immediately upon your return while the information is still fresh in your mind. Write notes for each exhibitor you visited with questions and literature/sample requests you have. blog-ts-5

 

Were these tips helpful? Tune into our upcoming webinar on November 17 at 2:00 PM EST Getting the Most Out of Attending a Trade Show