Kick out the Sad and Miserable. Negative people will make your booth negative period. The negative energy will flow all over and people will see you. I have attended tradeshows in the past with a couple of sad sacks monopolizing the only two trade show chairs in our space, and they were constantly being negative, negative and more negative. I am sorry but my feet hurt too. Especially, when you have to on day two. Get up off your tush and smile; say “hi” and showcase what you are selling despite your feet hurting and your desire to crawl under the table and take a nap. Even more strategic – look at the program … visit trade vendors or any media you want to target. If you are going to be a sad sack, please don’t attend – it will be a waste of money.
The All-Important Checklist. One word of advice – have a checklist to go before you pack and have one after the fact. The before checklist reminds you to check your business card status (yes, you need these) and includes some of the necessary items: bowl, giveaway (careful here – if you give away a Nordy’s card you are going to get a lot of useless business cards with people you will potential never do business with – if you do a giveaway – keep it targeted), pens, and receipt book if you sell something. Also, check in with the conference and see if there are astronomical fees to charge things to ship to the conference. Super important. You might want to invest in some suitcases with wheels instead. Wheels = good. Also, make a list of everything you need for your booth … collateral, signage, power point, and what you are selling (duh!). The after checklist is important as well – list what you missed bringing, what you missed at the conference at the conference that may have been beneficial, and notes that say if it is a go or no go next year.
What not to wear … and Bad Dress Behavior. As much as a women’s conference may be fashion show – do dress professional and wear comfy shoes. If you want to wear the “oh I am so trendy shoes,” please put a back-up comfortable pair in your bag. Your feet will thank you for it. Plus – it is super unprofessional to completely do the barefoot thing unless you are in the Hawaiian Islands or at Sandals resort. Bad attendee dress behavior includes go-go boots and a black mini skirt when you are with the likes of Caroline Kennedy. Really. Please hire a image consultant … I know one … call us.
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