Trade shows in the beginning are an exhilarating rush, but quickly turn into much more than a chore for inexperienced exhibitors. Being properly prepared for the trade show floor will keep the trade show experience fun and help you stay attentive in your booth. A trade show exhibition requires mental and physical stamina. Consider the physical stress of standing for long periods of time in one location. This is not typical for most sales staff. Long hours of dealing with people, the trade show environment, and the change in daily actives wears at an individual. Here are some tips to help make your trade show booth experience more enjoyable and successful.

Let’s Not Party – Being based in Las Vegas we know this one all too well.
Party temptation is everywhere – and what you do until the wee hours of the morning will haunt you all week long! Temptation is everywhere – don’t go there – trade shows are the most important selling days of your work year.

Water, Water Everywhere – Make sure you bring water to keep yourself hydrated. Convention facilities are not like a house, they don’t have a humidifier to help keep the air clean and moist. The dry air along with continuous explaining your company’s products and services can weaken your voice.

This Isn’t a Fashion Show – Don’t wear new shoes to a trade show. Sore feet are a major problem on a trade show floor. Unfitting shoes will lead to leg and back exhaustion which will lead to an irritable disposition. This is not the image to project to potential customers. Select sensible and conferrable clothing that you have worn previously, unless you have a new company uniform! Dress in layers if possible. Typically the trade show floor is cool in the morning and by late afternoon excessively warm.

Keep Your Energy Up – Most employees take a lunch break, but a trade show booth requires staffing the entire day. Arrange for lunch breaks for everyone in your booth space. Or serve lunch in your booth – use the meeting room or storage area! A short lunch, along with the food will invigorate and give you the energy to finish the day at the top of your game.

Booth Survivor Kit – Aspirin, antacids, eye drops and band aids can keep the booth staff functioning at 100%. We guarantee that at some time preshow, during the show, or after the show all of these will get used!!

Network from your Booth Space – Every trade show traffic pattern has peaks and valleys. When booth traffic slows, networking with other exhibitors should become a priority. This is the time you can see if your reaction to the show is the same as others.