Much of trade show preparation is focused on the company and the exhibit. While these are both vital components of a successful trade show, it is also important to prepare yourself. You want to present your best and most organized self on the trade show floor. After all, you are an extension of your company. Here are three questions to ask yourself in preparation for your next trade show.
What are My
Personal and Professional Goals?
Leading up to your event, ask yourself a simple question: What am I looking to achieve personally and professionally from this trade show? Are you looking to hone your sales expertise? Are you looking to improve your public speaking skills? Do you want to build professional relationships? Whatever your personal and professional goals are, it is important to be aware of them so that you have objectives to focus on on the show floor.
Tips for setting personal and professional goals:
- Set realistic or attainable goals
- Make sure your goals not only help you, but also bring value to your company
- Take an inventory of your strengths and weaknesses
- Identify skills and traits that will help you progress professionally
- Look for new challenges that put you outside of your comfort zone
How Can I Achieve Personal Organization?
Getting yourself personally organized is very important when working a trade show. Between traveling and shipping your trade show booth and supplies, organization can be difficult. One way you can make sure you are organized is by making a personal trade show checklist that includes all of your deadlines and to-dos.
Tips for creating a trade show checklist:
- Create calendar reminders in your phone for important trade show deadlines
- Inventory all of your attire and make sure you have it dry-cleaned and pressed
- Pack all of your trade show must-have items at least a week in advance
- Double-check travel and accommodation arrangements
- Set a reminder to complete expense reports after the show
How Can I Network More Efficiently?
Trade shows provide a great opportunity to network with clients, prospects, venders and industry experts. Effective networking skills can be applied to any trade show if you know how to connect and communicate with attendees and exhibitors. Effective networking during trade shows can help build business relationships that can benefit you and your company for years to come.
Trade show networking tips:
- Create a list of people you want to meet at your next event and organize them by company, industry and title
- Research events and seminars in the show guide; be sure to add the events you want to attend to your calendar
- Create a list of open-ended questions to ask prospects to help you facilitate clear and open dialogue
- Take time to learn about your trade show’s focus and how you can leverage your expertise in the focus area to meet attendees and build relationships
- Ask prospects if they know others who would like to meet with you; referrals are a great way to build your network
Want to Know More about Trade Show and Event Marketing?
Nimlok is an expert when it comes to trade show displays, but we also have a wealth of resources to help educate you on event planning, social media marketing, maximizing trade show ROI, trade show budgeting and more. Feel free to download any of Nimlok’s free trade show guides and begin planning for your next event today!