Participating in Exhibitions

In order to make the most of your exhibition, make sure to start planning early. First and foremost, determine your goals and draw up a plan for event activities. Make a list of your priority tasks, the information you will need, and other "to do" lists.
Make sure to get a glimpse of the exhibition topics and the exhibitor profiles before diving in. It might be a good idea to go through the schedule of events to be held at the exhibition. Shortlist the ones that are most interesting for you. Plan your time so that you will be able to visit the exhibits most relevant to your needs.
Schedule your meetings at the exhibition beforehand. Select the companies you are most interested in and contact them to arrange a time to talk.

And don't forget about preliminary registration! Often, event organizers will ask you to fill out a survey on the exposition website in exchange for a free invitation, visitor's badge and extra information materials mailed to your address. Preliminary registration eliminates the need to wait in line at the registration desk and saves time.

Bring your colleagues to the exhibition. Agree on an individual plan and route for each member of your company. This will increase the number of business contacts made and events attended.

Use the exhibition directory and guide. As a rule, the exhibition directory contains an index and detailed description of each exhibitor's profile along with contact information. The directory may also contain a floor plan with the stand layout as well as the event schedule.

Do not hesitate to contact the exhibition organizers with any questions. They will help you to find the company you are interested in and provide directions to the stand or event venue you are looking for. Use the exhibition as a convenient venue for meeting with exhibitors, as well as your customers, partners and colleagues. Make the most of the exhibition hours. Business meetings may often be sceduled before or after the official exhibition hours.

Extra Tips
Set up a reminder in your calendar for the exhibition.
Book your hotel, air or railway ticket in advance if you intend to travel to an event.
Bring as many business cards to the event as you can.
Don't forget to make extra efforts to process and analyze the data you collect and maintain the contacts you establish.