It’s that time of year again, the Vision Expo West trade show in Las Vegas is just around the corner!
Whether you are going because you are updating your office, finding new merchandise to sell, or simply to stay up with the latest and greatest trends, here are some key tips on how to make the show work for you.
The best advice we can give is preparation. Prepare yourself before the show, it is a BIG show and can often be overwhelming if you do not have a plan.
Here are tips to making the show work for you!
- Don’t pay! Most exhibitors can give out free admission to the show! Don’t pay for your entry, instead reach out to the companies you want to visit and ask if they have a free invitation program. We do! Here is a link…Visit the show on US!
- Know what you are going for and plan your route: Have a plan and make a list; what you want to see, the booths and companies you want to visit, and the products you are looking for. Having a clear understanding of what you need to accomplish will help you get the most out of your time at the show. It is helpful to print out the floor plan and exhibitor list, then highlight the companies you want to visit and plan your “route”.
- Schedule meetings: Not all exhibitors requirement appointments, but we highly recommend it for those companies you know you want to meet with. It will ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve!
- Organize and purge as you go: You will be getting lots of information, print outs, flyers, and business cards while at the show- these can pile up fast! We suggest bringing a pen and making notes on the items as you receive them. Notes like what items you liked at the booth, who you met with, why it interested you, and ultimately what the significance of the business is to your business. Taking the time to write down your thoughts will help you days later when you sit down to organize your findings! And… if you receive information from a company or a booth you just aren’t interested in don’t take the flyer in the first place. Nothing worse than having a bag full of flyers you have no use for!
Lastly… HAVE FUN! You will be in Las Vegas, the city that never sleeps. Enjoy the local dining, shows, and lively environment while you are there. It doesn’t have to be all work and no play!