Episode 005 – How to Stay Active at a Trade Show –

Episode 005 – How to Stay Active at a Trade Show – with Brittany Cermak, RDN

Today on a very special episode, our guest is Registered Dietitian Brittany Cermak (frankly, my daughter)! Brittany is going to discuss what we need to do to stay energized during these long shows. Being on our feet for long periods of time and having to perform at a high level can leave us feeling tired and exhausted. This is important information for anyone working a trade show!

Brittany is a registered dietitian and nutritionist in Cleveland, Ohio, who works full-time for a nonprofit health clinic group, is a professor at Case Western Reserve University, and owns her own private practice, Your Life Nutrition.

What experience do you have with trade shows?

• I have attended many local to national food and nutrition trade shows and have been involved in setting up company booths.
• I also set up booths for Your Life Nutrition at different health expos, trying to attract attendees for nutrition education and to promote my services.
• My goal is to leave attendees with some positive impressions of me and my company. Energy and enthusiasm are essential.

What is your most memorable trade show moment?

• I saw Lisa Lillian of “Hungry Girl” at the Flatout Packaging booth at a large national nutrition show. Although I didn’t see her, I waved at her and she waved back. I was a little fascinated!
• Lesson Learned – How can you create a “star effect” for your audience at your next trade show? Perhaps by inviting a celebrity or well-known figure in the industry to your booth. Otherwise, how can you make people feel special at your booth and leave with a uniquely positive experience?

Best advice for our audience (trade show planners and staff)

• Eating right is essential to maintaining your energy.
• Eating breakfast is so important!
• Stay away from high carb, high sugar foods like donuts, pastries, waffles/pancakes, etc. as they will drain your energy after a few hours.
• High-protein foods like eggs, meat, vegetable omelets, etc., will keep you feeling fuller for longer.
• Coffee is OK, especially if you’re used to drinking it regularly. Skipping it may cause headaches.
• For longer shows lasting multiple days:
• Planning and Packaging
• Keep portable healthy foods in presentation bags for easy access.
• Keep your snacks in single-serve bags so they are easily accessible when you need them. Also, smaller portions can help you avoid eating too much at once and finish your food before the show is over.
• Don’t rely on food from vendors at the show
• You always pack more than you think.
• Items You Can Take Through the Airport
• High-protein options help you feel full
• Eat snacks every 3-4 hours to stay energized and prevent hunger and cravings
• Put it in single-serving bags so it’s easy to grab and eat your portion without having to eat all of the packaged snack at once.
• If you don’t want to pack these, you can go to a local supermarket upon arrival.
• dried fruit
• Protein bars
• Jerky
• Stick to fruits/veggies with every meal to help provide natural energy and keep things light
• Focus on Lean Protein
• Whole grains
• Avoid high-starch foods, such as pasta, as they can make you feel full and sluggish
• Pass the candy provided by the vendors
• If you qualify, you can enjoy fruit in the Speaker Room, Media Room, Exhibitor Room and VIP Room
• Make time for lunch
• Leave time for lunch, even if it’s just finding a healthy meal on sale at the venue’s restaurant.
• If you rely solely on snacks and booth samples, you’ll be hungry and exhausted by the end of the day, and every food will be calling your name.
• Hunger plays crazy tricks on our brains, so try to keep snack and lunch times at home.
• For dietary restrictions, food allergies or sensitivities:
• If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please be sure to communicate this with the event staff in advance.
• Please contact your hotel to find out what your options are.
• You can look for other options at local restaurants or markets
• Don’t risk your health because you feel ashamed not to eat what your coworkers eat. You’ll be thankful you did your research and stuck to a diet you know is beneficial.
• Proper hydration
• This is the key!
• Proper hydration can affect your alertness and sharp thinking just as much as food.
• Bring a reusable water bottle
• Sipping water during the show can help you avoid a rush to the toilet!
• Chewing gum or mints can keep your mouth moist without having to drink a lot of water – and it’ll keep your breath fresh!
• Avoid alcohol or sugary drinks and juices, as they can also cause a low after drinking
• If traveling for more than one day
• Try to stick to your usual eating habits
• Eat fruits and vegetables with every meal
• Focus on lean protein such as fish, chicken, turkey and eggs
• Eat whole grains — brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and bread
• Avoid high-carbohydrate diets
• If you have a sensitive stomach or are prone to bloating, you may want to avoid any new foods that you are not used to.
• Foods that often cause bloating
• Cabbage, Garlic, and Other Foods That Can Give You Problems
• Eat for Show
• Avoid eating at your seat as it makes you look sloppy and unapproachable
• Keep a toothbrush or mints in your bag
• Brush your teeth or pop a mint afterward to let your potential clients smell your garlic-filled lunch
• To avoid physical fatigue – legs and feet:
• Wear comfortable shoes. Ladies – leave your high heels at home!
• Don’t buy brand new shoes for a gig – they could lead to blisters and pain

The most important 1-2 points:

• Choose healthy foods, eat light meals, and add fruits and vegetables to every meal
• Snacks are your friend! Nuts, fruit, protein bars, etc.
• Take small sips of water to avoid having to run to the bathroom

What do you want to promote (for your own business)?

• Please take advantage of this! We hope this is a win-win situation!
• My Services and Meal Plans
• follow me
• Go to my website and subscribe to my website’s weekly emails
• Make sure your product or service has timelessness for viewers who continue to watch the show after the original episodes air.

Special Offer for Trade Show U Listeners!!

· 10% off all services – weight loss, meal planning, nutrition counseling, and more!

How should people contact you?

• www.YourLifeNutrition.org – Sign up for weekly valuable emails
• Also search for Your Life Nutrition and Brittany Cermak on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn!