| Navigating a convention can be tiring at best and | | | | time-consuming questions later on at the exhibit. For |
| difficult at worst. It is easy to become entangled in | | | | trade show visitors, it may seem like a waste of |
| conversation with display managers, or to miss out | | | | time to do so much preparation ahead of time. |
| on opportunities that you want to take. Add any | | | | Remember that the time each staffer has at the |
| talks that might be scheduled during the convention, | | | | display is limited; they can only spend so much time |
| and scheduling your time becomes complicated. | | | | talking with you. It's not worth wasting any of that |
| Adding structure to your trip is a good way to | | | | time on the basics. Seek to understand the products |
| increase your efficiency, but you can do more to | | | | they offer (or the products they're launching) |
| maximize the professional value of your visits. | | | | beforehand. |
| Make Contact Before The Event | | | | If possible, you should even prepare questions ahead |
| Today's businesses are increasingly present online. If | | | | of time. This technique is very beneficial for a |
| you know where you want to visit and with whom | | | | reporter, but has distinct advantages even if you're |
| you want to speak, consider letting them know | | | | just a curious customer. Remember that you want to |
| ahead of time. A trade show booth is a chaotic place; | | | | save time and maximize your overall ability to visit |
| the company operating it would appreciate knowing | | | | exhibits. Every moment you can spend preparing |
| when you'll be stopping by. If you are a journalist, | | | | beforehand saves time during the event. |
| you might be able to arrange additional interviews | | | | Allow Sufficient Travel Time Between Each |
| with company personnel if they are expecting you. | | | | Tradeshow Booth |
| Plan Your Time Carefully | | | | Planning your way between the different exhibits |
| Most event organizers will distribute a floor plan and | | | | seems simple, but it's easy to get caught up in huge |
| additional information before the event itself. You | | | | crowds. Understanding how long it will take you to |
| should be prepared with knowledge of the floor plan | | | | get from one place to another can mean the |
| and be ready to move from tradeshow booth to | | | | difference between arriving on time and being tardy. |
| tradeshow booth, even in heavy crowds. Never | | | | While timing is not an issue for simple visits, |
| hesitate to push forward amongst a crowd. In many | | | | conventions are usually more than that. You will |
| cases, the individuals crowding a display are public | | | | probably want to see some of the larger |
| observers, not industry insiders. If you know that | | | | demonstrations and other timed events, so plan |
| you're going to have a serious conversation with | | | | accordingly. |
| someone staffing the exhibit, you'll be able to make it | | | | By spending some time thinking about your plan and |
| through. | | | | researching before the event itself, you will be able |
| Come To Each Trade Show Booth Prepared | | | | to accomplish everything you set out to do at the |
| One of the best ways to save time is if you | | | | show. Visiting a booth for a trade show should be |
| research every company you want to visit before | | | | fun, but it also need to be targeted, particularly when |
| the actual convention. It can save many | | | | you are there on business. |