Tips for attending a convention & tradeshow

by Marta

The convention and tradeshow has started for many of us and getting ready for that first show is always exciting.

There is so much that needs to be done, register, make travel arrangments, pack, get to the show, figure out where everthing is, get your welcome packet, figure out where your classes are at, be handed all sorts of catalogs, flyers, business cards while touring the tradeshow, attend classes, pack again, travel home and then unpack.

By the time you have been through all of that it is no wonder you feel overwhelmed when you look at the pile of all the information you have collected.

Here are a few tips to reduce the overwhelm at a convention and tradeshow.

Come prapred: Create a strategy and a plan of attack! Pull out your schedule and make sure you know what it looks like. Do you know what time the classes start? When will you go visit the tradeshow?

Take notes: It doesn’t matter if you are taking a class or walking through the vendor booths, be prepared to take notes. The classes and seminars you take will be full of information you will want to remember and apply. Jot down down notes to help you remember when you get home.

Bring sticky notes: As you are walking through the tradeshow you will be handed LOTS of brochures, catalogs, business cards, flyers with special offers let alone all the freebie stuff handed out along the way. With a barage of information being thrown at you it can be tough to keep it straight. Write down on large sticky notes and attach it to the catalog with reminders of who you talked to, what products did you really like, which client did you think of when you saw that album. Did it spark an idea for a new promotion or marketing campaign?

Bring extra luggage: At conventions and tradeshows you will ALWAYS come home with more than you arrived with. Bring an extra bag or small suitcase to pack in all the information you gathered, items you purchased and souvenirs you gathered. Save yourself time and frustration by arriving prepared.

Schedule some downtime: National conventions are full of energy, exciting opportunities, networking with contacts new and old and trying to get it all done in a 2-3 day time span can be tiring. Make sure you schedule some time to sit down and visit the city you are in or simply get out of the hotel and find a nice quiet place to have a meal. Just a few minutes of peace and quiet will help you gather your thoughts and help you get ready to do it all over again that day.

What tips can you offer about going to a convention and tradeshow? Is there anything you have learned along the way that helps you get the most out of your time and investment?

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