Maximising Your Trade Show Investment
In good times or bad, the one thing that most concerns companies that are either visiting or exhibiting at a trade show, is how to maximise their investment in time and finances. Here’s a quick and easy checklist of some tips to follow before, during, and after an event to help ensure your time and money as a visitor are well spent.
Before you go
Check the list of exhibitors that will be at the trade show, and pre-arrange meetings with them. Most exhibition websites have a networking tool, so make use of that to connect with companies you are interested in meeting.
Pre-register to save time. There will be long queues for onsite registration, so you avoid waiting in line by pre-registering. It can also save you some money as exhibitions may collect an administrative fee if you sign up at the venue itself
Showtime
Attend the opening ceremony. It’s a good first networking opportunity before the show begins. If time allows, plan to attend conferences that are most relevant to your company’s needs because that’s where you will find potential partners.
Many companies introduce their latest innovations and technologies at trade shows, so look out for new product launches on the show floor.
After the event
Follow-up, follow-up, follow-up! Get in touch with suppliers shortly after meeting them at the show – you can be sure your competitors are doing the same thing.