Tradeshow season is upon us.
It’s time for the comfy walking shoes, company hats, and business cards to make their way out of the storage closet and into waiting bags and backpacks. Planning on attending at least ONE of your industry’s tradeshows this year?
Keep reading for the top ways to get the MOST out of your tradeshow experience.
Attend with your team. You get some great face-time with your colleagues, and you can make a true event out of it- wear company t-shirts, matching caps, or go all-out and dress in the tradeshow theme. As much as it’s about the people who are exhibiting, you can use the opportunity to brand yourself and your company to other attendees too!
Be prepared to talk. Don’t just grab at the awesome-looking swag and run. Make a point to ask the exhibitor about themselves and their business. Even if it’s a service you can’t use right now, you might be able to pass the information on to a friend or file it away to use later. Also, be prepared to talk about your company and your role within the organization.
Scope out the people you want to see. Whether swinging by a trade partners’ booth or searching for a new service for your company, look at the tradeshow floor map and plan your route to ensure you get to see everyone you need to see.
Refresh and hydrate. If it’s your first rodeo, let us be the first to say that there’s a lot of walking involved here. Put on comfy shoes and don’t forget to bring a bottle of water. Most tradeshows offer snacks and drinks on the expo floor and there will probably be some exhibitors with food to give at their booths as well.
Respond to follow-up emails. If you hand out your business card at a tradeshow, be warned that it will come back to you in the form of an email from the exhibitor after the show. Most exhibitors are expected to follow up with all potential clients – that’s you! Be cordial and respond, even if you cannot use the service or product now, thank the exhibitor for reaching out and for their time. Kindness doesn’t cost a thing.
BGSF attends tradeshows all over the United States throughout the year. Be sure to swing by our booths and say hello! For more information on our services and workforce solutions, visit BGSF.com.
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