Making connections face to face is integral to business and professional development and we are blessed with an abundance of Trade shows that bring people together.
You have decided to invest your time and attend the tradeshow (see previous article - Before You Go) Already you have been doing some homework and this impacted on your decision to go. So just before you get there there are some questions that if raised now will save you even more time and energy when you get to the show.
Why Do You Want to see that Exhibitor?
No longer do you have the time (if you ever did) to just wander up to an exhibitor and start an ad hoc conversation. So be honest why are you investing your time to go to that stand/booth?
It could be for any number of reasons but if you are still struggling to answer the question then maybe you shouldn't be visiting the exhibitor in the first place.
Remember also that at some of the major trade shows you will need to book an appointment to see your exhibitor so don't be disappointed. Work out the best time for you both before you go. This is especially essential for some of the larger shows such as IMEX and EIBTM when a Hosted Buyer system operates.
It's Obvious Really
You want to see the exhibitor because:
They are new to you and so you are on a fact finding mission
You need to re-energise an existing relationship
It would be good to spy on your competition
There is an order you need to place
Or simply you just like/fancy the person on the stand
Let the Story Telling Begin
You are now sitting in the seminar room/lecture theatre waiting for the educational session to begin.
What Do You Want?
We have already talked about your time being precious so be honest why are you really spending time listening to a speaker?
It could be because you want to:
Make a connection and this session is the one to go to because of the other people who may be there.
Improve/understand more about the subject.
Ask questions.
Meet the speaker.
Watch the speaker and his/her method of presentation.
Discover what your competition is saying.
Review the presentation for an article/post.
Drop In to the CV Clinic
Many trade shows have CV clinics now. Make sure your CV is prepared, it is dusted off and looking good (in your opinion) so before entering the clinic here are some questions to help you make the most of your time at the clinic. The CV clinic is always popular so be ready with what you need before you get there.
Questions, Questions
Do you just want to be told your CV looks nice?
Are you prepared to have it pulled apart?
What is the next position you are looking for?
Do you have/want an idea of the salary level that certain jobs offer?
Summary
With a little preparation you will be able to make the most of your time away from your office and benefit from all the show has to offer. The time passes very quickly at a show so be focused and then you will gain the best benefit for you.
About the Author:
Paul Cook is an entrepreneur who has created and developed businesses specifically for the events industry.
Planet Planit is his internet publishing business. Planet Planit has in a very short space of time become the website for event planners everywhere to go to for event planning information.
Clarity Event Insurance is his specialist event and media insurance brokerage.
Paul's passion is connecting people and ideas. Through his businesses and his leadership in Meeting Professionals International (MPI) he is a recognized industry figure known for his pragmatic, creative and common sense business approach.
He is also the originator and creator of MPI's highly successful Young Achievers Award competition.
Many people know Paul as The Events Connector.
Links:
Planet Planet
Clarity Event Insurance
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