Comments on: 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Exhibiting At Trade Shows

By: Dale

Dale — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 06:02:37 +0000

I agree 100% with #9. Worked with many people who should not be in a trade show booth. We need to have a class for these people.

By: Tina Manos

Tina Manos — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 22:17:26 +0000

So true, Emilie. It’s good to hear these comments from other trade show professionals, to know we all have the same issues to deal with.

Great articles, Mike. I’m on my sixth year as the company trade show coordinator and there’s still so much to learn. I’m on to the next one article!

By: Michael

Michael — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 21:35:57 +0000

I’d add to engage the prospect. I don’t know how many shows I have attended that the exhibitors just sit behind a table and let you stand in front of them asking questions. Our company has a “no sitting” policy. We believe that standing the entire time keeps you awake and extroverted while engaging the prospect in a quick qualifying conversation.

By: Randy Bernstein

Randy Bernstein — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:34:44 +0000

Hi Mike,

There is something about a trade show floor just before the opening. The buzz in the air, the energy, the people, the face-to-face interactions. You can’t get this from an email or phone call. Great articles and insights Mike, keep up the great work.

Randy

By: Mike Thimmesch

Mike Thimmesch — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:26:50 +0000

Kristen,

You’re so right about the Plan B. They are so necessary at trade shows, that Exhibitor Magazine even has a monthly column called Plan B, which celebrates the ways trade show managers adapt to the unexpected.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:01:42 +0000

Good tips and SO TRUE! I’ve been doing tradeshows for almost 10 years (worked for an exhibit company and now on the “client” side of the fence). It’s interesting to see how different companies approach tradeshows.

Personally, I think you have to learn to “roll with it”, something will go wrong, you just have to anticipate and find an appropriate solution with the resource you have. ALWAYS always have a Plan B!! I’ve seen it all, so I no longer get stressed by the little things.

By: Mike Thimmesch

Mike Thimmesch — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:34:11 +0000

Thanks Wendy, for your good tips and positive attitude!

By: Mike Thimmesch

Mike Thimmesch — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:00:05 +0000

Doug,

Those are excellent videos about exhibiting in Germany! Thanks for sharing them with our readers.

To provide simular information, we commissioned Tradeshow Week magazine to publish a White Paper called International Exhibiting. You can request a copy by going to: http://www.skyline.com/Request/International-White-Paper.

By: Mike Thimmesch

Mike Thimmesch — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:32:48 +0000

Bob,

Great tip for the solo exhibitor!

I have the metabolism of a shrew, so I have to eat at shows with longer hours, even though like you I don’t want to miss any potential leads. When the show hours are short enough, I delay breakfast as long as possible to be able to skip lunch and stay on the show floor.

By: Mike Thimmesch

Mike Thimmesch — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:26:46 +0000

Patti,

I think a lot of trade show marketers are so busy just getting their events organized that they have little capacity to prepare for problems. Hopefully someone reading this will heed your call and take the time to “expect the unexpected.”

In the past, mindful trade show marketers carried around a three-ring binder that had copies of all their paperwork and their local supplier contacts. Nowadays, a thumbdrive, laptop or a smart phone does the trick. The best advice I’ve heard is to bring a copy of your artwork files so if your booth and graphics don’t make it, you can rent a booth and get the graphics reprinted.