Trade Show Ideas & Inspiration

Trade Show Tips to the Beat of the 2000s

  • Mel White

    • The Keys to a Successful Trade Show:  Packing Up to Leave

    Advicertainment by M. Christine Delea

    It’s exhilarating and tiring, and by the end of the trade show, you are ready to escape. Your own bed, your family, your car, your pets, your routine — everything you want is at home. But before you take off, be sure to wrap things up right. Check all the small things before heading out.

    Look over your lead notes. Expand on anything you might forget after a few days go by. If I told you that you will not recall which product Lorraine Mastellone wanted and all the things she said, or that you won’t be able to decipher a phone number you wrote down, would you believe me? You should, because no one has an infallible memory.

    Complicated

    Catch as many folks as you can during those last few hours at the show or after it is over. Tell new associates how much you have enjoyed meeting them and that you look forward to working with them. Make plans to talk soon with those people, but don’t make things complicated. Even a quick wave and an enthusiastic “Hey, ya!” in the hotel lobby will make a great lasting impression.

    Sorry to Mom out on you, but remember to pack carefully (I know you are exhausted and rushing to catch a plane). It’s no fun to get home and see a stain on your suitcase from a bottle of mouthwash that wasn’t closed completely or a cracked bottle of wine you bought for your dog-sitter. Take the time to pack right, and you won’t have to worry about a thing.

    It’s a Beautiful Day

    Did someone at the hotel, the show venue, the caterers, or the coffee kiosk help you be your best? Be sure to tell them thank you and wish them a beautiful day.

    In case you don’t already know this, you should be leaving a tip for the hotel maid each morning, rather than all at once as you leave the hotel. The reason? Different maids will be assigned to your room on different days. Be sure to make it obvious that the money you leave is for the maid (a short note is fine).

    Here I go again with the Mom thing, but double-check the bathroom, all the drawers, the closet, and under furniture before you leave your room for good.

    Bye Bye Bye

    And if your trade show is one of the big ones and you find yourself waking up in Vegas, be sure to escape without cleaning out your bank account. Okay, now you can leave. Bye Bye Bye.

    Be sure to do a happy dance when you close the big deal. You deserve it.

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    Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.

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