Don't Eat in the Booth - and Other Trade Show Advice
by Todd Davidson
Don't argue with me; just take a look around the show floor at your next show. Learn from this what you will and leave the rest to the true trade show marketing gurus....
Don't eat in the booth
Do insure that you, and your booth, look and smell your very best. "Very nice to meet you company XYZ. Oh, and I notice you're a garlic fan - but what's that in your teeth?"
Insure a clean booth
Like eating, don't drink in the booth. Insure a clean booth, and that your favorite customer won't ruin their new suit on the coffee you just spilled. Eating and drinking are what scheduled breaks are for.
Storage
Don't leave your personal items (brief case, trade show trinkets, jackets, etc.) lying around in the booth. Insure your booth looks it's very best, not like the trade show coatroom or lost and found.
Talking
Don't talk excessively with other booth staffers. Let your customers know that they are more important to you then socializing with co-workers.
Sitting
Limit your time sitting. Trade show exhibiting is no leisure time activity. Ensure that you look ready for business and not waiting for the bar cart to stop by and offer you a drink.
Perfectionism
Don't pick at the booth. The time to work on your booth is before the show starts. If you did not get to the show floor in time, that's your first problem. During show time, focus your attention on your customers and prospects.
Booth Services
Order your booth services early. Depending on the size of your exhibit, you can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars ordering your services such as electrical and carpet early. There's the money needed for that pre-show direct mail list you didn't think you could fit in the budget!
Business Cards
Always bring more than enough business cards. Remember, even if you write your name on that nifty brochure, odds are that more than 50% won't make it back to the office. A card in the pocket is better than two in the trash.
Working with Show Labor
Make a point to get to know your exhibit hall supervisor or installation labor staff. Thank them. They will become you best friends in a time of need.
Shoes
Avoid wearing new or particularly flashy shoes that have the potential of being uncomfortable. Wear something appropriate for business, but something you'll be able to stand in for hours on end. Trying to impress a prospective client? Be there. Not in you hotel room nursing your aching feet or back.