ATTENDEE CHECKLIST
The following suggestions are designed to help the trade show attendee get the most out of their time spent on the show floor.
PREPARATION
Before attending a show, review the promotional materials and find out who will be exhibiting.
Create a map for navigating the show based on where relevant vendors are located on the trade show floor.
Make a list of goals, whether it’s for making a purchase, contact or sale for you and your company prior to attending a trade show. Keep those goals top-of-mind as you walk the show floor.
NETWORKING
Trade shows are flush with industry bigwigs. Meet as many as you can by being a social butterfly or attending seminars and edu- cational sessions. Talk with people while in line for lunch, at their booth or in the lobby of your hotel.
Time on the trade show floor is precious, so don’t feel pres- sured to stop by every booth or listen to every sales pitch. Skip irrelevant booths for those that interest you the most.
When you return to the office with a collection of fliers, busi- ness cards and brochures, don’t throw them away. Instead, organ- ize a library of show materials for you and your staff.
Develop a lead form for every show you attend. It should con- tain vendors’ names, products and contact information, as well as follow-up notes to consult after the show.
EDUCATION
Schedule time to attend at least a few seminars while you’re in town to get the most from your trade show investment.
COMFORT
You want to look your professional best, but be sure you’re also dressed for comfort. Walking the show floor all day might mean giving up a favorite pair of shoes for something that will allow you to remain in top form by the show’s end.
38 November December 2013
tive method of doing business, since, after all,
business leads.”
For attendees, trade shows provide an opportunity to learn about new advances in their profession and industry, or resources that are available to assist them in their field of interest. In addition, trade shows are a more personal method of seeking and evaluating new vendors and suppliers - much more personal than merely “surfing the web.”
“We work with professional societies and trade associations by including a trade show component to their annual confer- ence,” said Mobley. “The association serves as the connection between indus- try partners and members. It’s a ‘win-win’.”
Premier Meetings by Fernley was launched as Premier Meeting Solutions in 1999. The division negotiates and man- ages more than 100 meetings, conven- tions, trade shows and special events for full-service clients and “standalone” asso- ciations. Meetings range in size from board meetings for 12 to conferences with more than 2,000 attendees. With long-term partnerships with major hotel brands, Premier Meetings by Fernley can identify the best value and the right fit for associa- tions.
Two main service categories are: hotel site selection and contract negotiation, and meeting management (this can include meeting and convention management, continuing education and abstract man- agement, meeting and event registration, and trade show and exhibit manage- ment).
Full Service by Fernley is a traditional association management model. Services are all-inclusive and usually consist of accreditation and certification manage- ment; board and committee manage- ment; communication and publication; executive leadership and guidance; financial oversight and budgeting; lobby- ing support and administration; meeting and convention oversight; membership management; program management; public policy support and communica- tions; social media oversight; sponsorship and fundraising management; as well as
they’re exhibiting to develop new
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