Five Tips For Getting The Most Out Of A Trade Show

With International Confex just around the corner (5 days away) and much of our community attending, we thought we’d share our top tips on how to make the most of attending a trade show, tips that can be applied at next weeks event. Find them below:

Book Appointments In Advance

You should book as many meetings as possible in advance. This makes sure you make the most of your time at the show and that you don’t miss out on meeting those people that you really want to see. Scheduling in advance also means that you and the exhibitor both have the opportunity to research one another so the meeting can be optimised to your needs.

Hang Around After The Content Sessions

When attending a content session, don’t rush off as soon as it has finished. It’s worth waiting and seeing who else hangs around, chances are you’ll have something in common, after all you were both interested in the same session. It’s the perfect networking opportunity, and an easy one at that, you both have a talking point, the content you just watched!

Attend The After Parties

A key aim of attending trade shows is usually to network and make as many meaningful connections as possible. So utilise your time in the host city, a time when you know many of your peers are also there. There are often evening drinks receptions and parties after the event, find out where they are and attend them, we often find it’s easier to network at these side events, everyone is more relaxed and usually has a drink in hand. If you don’t know where these parties are, trying asking some of the key exhibitors, many of them are likely hosting them.

Stay In The Associated Hotels

Another great place to make connections is at your hotel, therefore it’s worth booking a hotel that comes recommend by the event organisers. Not only will you likely get a better bedroom rate, you’ll also know other event attendees will be staying there. Don’t be shy, ask others at the event where they are staying and arrange to meet for evening drinks in the hotel. It’s also worth chatting to people in the lobby when you arrive or at breakfast, there’s a good chance they are also at the event.

Make A Plan

Most of all, make a plan and incorporate some of the above points. When taking time out of the office it’s important you get the maximum ROI. Most shows will have an event app, so check this out in advance, you can usually schedule your content sessions, meetings and find the floor plan there.

Hopefully the above tips are helpful. If you are attending International Confex next week, try putting them into practice, we’re sure you won’t regret it.

If you haven’t heard of International Confex, you can find more information here. It’s a two day event hosted at the Excel in London next week. The event showcases some of the event industries top suppliers and is the UK’s largest trade show for the event industry. There’s still time to get your tickets, find them here. And if you’re attending, do come and say hello and join the Unlocked team for a cocktail or two, we’re exhibiting on the Delegate Wranglers Pavilion, more details below: