170 – Pro Tip 1 – Fill Your Calendar Before the Show

Trade Show Pro Tips – These short and powerful episodes help exhibitors who are ready to go beyond the basics! If you are just getting started with trade shows, be sure to master the basics and then start incorporating some pro tips! Click here to see the episode on the basics

Trade Show Pro Tip #1 – Fill your schedule before the show!

• If you attend the right trade show, no matter how big or small, you can make the right contacts there. These contacts may be existing or potential customers, suppliers, vendors or other important contacts.
• Remember to make time outside of show time to connect with these people
• If it is a multi-day show, contact and arrange meetings, breakfasts, lunches, and dinners well in advance of the show. The key is to get time on other people’s schedules before they do.
• I’ve seen too many cases where people come to a trade show intending to take a good client or prospect out to dinner, only to find themselves eating alone.
• You may only have one chance to meet that person face-to-face, so be creative and make the most of your schedule.
• From early morning breakfasts to late night drinks, the opportunities are endless.
• If someone already has a morning exercise routine, take a walk or run together while you chat. Or schedule a few minutes of morning exercise during the day and between performances.
• One thing is guaranteed – once you’re at the show, there will be tons of new opportunities for lunches, dinners, after-get off work events, and other networking events for everyone.
• Even if the exhibition is only one day, you should use the time before and after the exhibition to hold meetings. But you must make an appointment in advance.
• So go to your next trade show with a full schedule, and you’ll be shocked by the results!