Throwing off a negative impression from across the aisle is enough to make any show attendee think twice before joining you in your exhibit.

Thou Shall Not:
I. Sit, read, eat or drink in the booth.
II. Chew gum.
III. Talk on your cell phone in the booth.
IV. Let the booth get disorderly and disheveled.
V. Wear your badge on the left hand side. Always wear your badge on the right hand side so it can be seen by your visitor when shaking hands.
VI. Wait for prospects to stop at your booth. Once they look at your booth, say “Can I show you something new & unique?”
VII. Leave the booth unattended or leave without informing your booth mates.
VIII. Use negative body language. Instead, smile and look at person when speaking. Use affirmative comments. Don’t close off conversation by crossing your arms.
IX. Stand behind the table–in fact, don’t put it in the front of your booth. Stand out in the aisle and greet people with questions and eye contact.
X. Be unprofessional.

By respecting these simple guidelines your communication and engagement will be more effective and believable to show attendees, producing more leads, sales, and enhancing your image. Here is something to try – you may be skeptical, but if you are you can stand off to the side and count the approaches! Try to leave the booth unattended for an hour or so each day. Some attendees will not approach a booth if it is staffed, but they’ll come up and take material when there’s no chance they’ll be “sold to.” Also, when the booth is staffed, it’s good to have a man and a woman on hand. Some people will only approach men; others will only approach women.