Trade shows are an excellent opportunity to make sales, build relationships and collect qualified leads. If you followed our 10 Things To Do Before Attending Design-2-Part, then the next step is making sure you get the best return on investment from attending Design-2-part.
Each Design-2-Part show features hundreds of job shops and American contract manufacturing suppliers exhibiting their skills in design, prototypes, production runs, value added services, assemblies, electronics, more. For over 38 years, engineers and product manufacturers have relied on Design-2-Part Shows to find the best custom components, parts and contract manufacturing services.
During the trade show:
- Prevent Stress. Arrive early and have cash on hand for parking and food. Don’t forget your marketing packages from your vehicle, it could be a long way back to the parking garage from the exhibit hall.
- Check-in. Get your badge from the registration area and trade show program guide, ask for a bag (or bring your own) to gather materials during your visit. If possible, request literature and samples be mailed instead of having to carry them with you.
- Map a Route. An updated show guide and floor plan will probably be provided when you arrive. Take some time to revise your plan, if necessary, in order to visit the booths you want to from your research. Make sure you look for last minute additions to the exhibitors and check them in the program guide. Decide which way to go when you walk into the hall and follow the aisles, keep your map handy to guide you.
- Social Posts. Tweeting during the show will help to maintain a relationship with other attendees as well as keep followers' attention, and give them an insider's perspective on products and events at the trade show. Here are some tips to for your mid-show tweets. Don't forget to use the #Design2part hashtag. Don't know about hashtags? Click here
- Catch your Breath. Take a break after a few hours to refresh, have a snack and get some fresh air. Visit the restroom to freshen up before you go back on the exhibit hall floor.
- Practice Good Manners. Make sure your badge is in plain sight while browsing trade show booths, wait your turn when waiting to speak to someone, do not cut in lines, be patient, smile, and always thank them for their time and tell them to "Have a good trade show".
- Takes Notes. Ask the exhibitor for information on their company and their business card. Ask for the name of the appropriate person to speak to after the trade show for your specific product or service (now you have 2 contacts). Have a pen and notebook ready for notes and use business cards to jot down information on the back.
- Bounce Early. If you arrived on time, and accomplished everything you set out to, then don't feel guilty for leaving a bit early. This may help you to avoid long lines for buses and cabs.
- After Hours Events. Evaluate if any after hour parties are worth your time. Remember you're acting as an ambassador for your company... getting drunk at a trade show related event may reflect poorly not only on you, but your brand.
- 8 Major Don'ts at the trade show
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Remember trade shows can be an incredibly effective, but they can also be a complete waste of time and money if you don't plan well enough in advance. Additionally, a trade show can be a waste of time if you don't use the momentum of the event to your advantage, read our 10 Things To Do After Attending Design-2-Part.
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Valley Box is a San Diego based industrial packaging company. We create custom material handling solutions which are perfect for assembly lines, warehouses, distribution centers, stock rooms and anywhere else that moving loads is required.
