You will see, hear, and experience so much at the trade
show. While you might have a good idea
on Tuesday afternoon, you may be hard pressed to remember it back at home when
debriefing with your boss. Take notes
of you meetings and general observations at the show. If you notice your business is out of touch with the rest of the
industry, write it down and mention specific examples. If you make an oral agreement, make sure to
write out what was said. Some people
take notes during the day while others write up a report each evening.
Depending on your preferences, you might want to set a two-hour rule: after two
hours on the floor, you take a break, have a cup of coffee, and jot down
anything that has happened or occurred to you in the last couple of hours. When you get back home and are trying to
remember who the best stationary supplier was, you’ll be happy to look back at
your little notebook.
Strike a Balance
Tradeshow weeks are not only a great time for visiting the
booths at the convention center, they can also be an opportunity to socialize
with other people in your industry. You
may find yourself invited to dinners and parties put on by your business
association, exhibitors, or by large clients that want to thank you for your
business. These can be a great time to network and enjoy the fruits of your
hard work. You may also find your hotel
lobby to be a gathering place for other people just like yourself. It’s great to network and start new
friendships, but don’t forget the purpose of your trip. Too many people spend their nights at the
hotel bar only to wake up half-way through the show the next morning. Make sure to strike a balance between work
and pleasure.
Be Flexible
Things never go just like you planned. You may have the
perfect schedule, shoes and suitcase, but I’ll bet you are still exhausted at
the end of the day. Not every
relationship will lead to a successful business transaction. Not every booth
will have what you’re looking for.
Don’t worry! Flexibility is one of the greatest strengths you can have
at a tradeshow or in life for that matter.
If your plan isn’t working—change it.
There are so many paths you can take at a trade show, don’t be afraid to
try a few.