CHICAGO – Event organizers can find new opportunities, strategies for success, and more at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) Expo! Expo! However, for first-timers, it can be difficult to know where to start. trade show director (TSE) spoke with Ashley Cannon, CEM Event Operations Manager at Informa Markets, to get tips for helping new professionals attend the Expo! Expo! Show run.
Andrew: What advice would you give to young professionals attending expos! Expo! first?
Ashley: Prepare to feel overwhelmed and energized at the same time.
Grab plenty of business cards, download the mobile app, schedule any meetings in advance, and bookmark your meetings in the app.
ANDREW: What strategies can young professionals use to make the most of this event?
Ashley: Be open to personal and professional learning. This activity is designed to help you grow, and you can only do that if you want to. Get ready to build your network by meeting new people, attending events, and getting involved in local chapters. They host chapter receptions there – be sure to go and meet new friends.
If you feel overwhelmed, don’t do too much too quickly. Find sessions that are meaningful to you and will help you grow in your career, and give yourself some grace to take the time to absorb it all.
It depends on how you study, if you want to study in the morning or afternoon… When of the day does your brain work best? Try to divide your time between meetings and the exhibition hall.
Try finding a friend at one of these meetings and asking, “Hey, do you have any suggestions,” “Can I go for a walk with you,” “Can you tell me XYZ,” or “Do you know something about something? “
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Andrew: What do you remember about your first Expo! Expo! Experience, is there anything you wish you had done differently?
Ashley: Entering this industry is overwhelming and exciting. I wish I could sign up for the mentor matching program. This is a beneficial program offered by the IAEE where you are paired with someone for at least four months who can learn helpful tips, talk about their mistakes, lessons learned and how to grow as a professional in the industry.
ANDREW: What did you gain from participating in the Expo? Expo! ?
Ashley: In addition to gaining valuable knowledge about the meetings and events industry, I gained lifelong friends and extended family. I never knew this would be a possibility. The ongoing learning community is also a huge benefit.
Andrew: How about the Expo! Expo! Is it helpful for professionals and the event industry as a whole?
Ashley: Not only can you maintain relationships with your current supplier partners, but you can also source additional suppliers, which helps keep companies competitive with each other.
It also enables you to see the pros or cons of decisions when it comes to your budget. With inflation on the rise and budgets being a top priority for many companies at the moment, it’s great to meet new people and provide options for your company.
Knowledge is power – the more you can learn and feed back to decision-makers (if you’re not one), the more you’ll grow in your career.
Andrew: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Ashley: Although the industry is large, it is truly a small community. Although it sounds strange, it is true. You never know when a door will open for you – go in with the authority to open a door to a different career for you.
Without IAEE and the Expo, I wouldn’t be where I am today! Expo!
I have made great friends and connections and am constantly expanding my learning and knowledge. Be willing to learn new things and meet new people.
Learn more about the Expo! Expo! here. Also, check out the November issue of TSE Magazine Preview 2024 events.
If you are a new attendee, please consider checking out the IAEE Expo! Expo! First time planningwhich organizers have never attended the event or have only participated in virtual expos! Expo! In 2020, sign up at a discounted rate and gain access to unique networking opportunities and resources.
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