Last year, it became a Madison tradition to post a blog countdown leading up to major events (NECA Convention and NAED Eastern Region Conference, to name a few). Since we’re getting ready for NAED Western Region Conference next week, we’re gearing up again.
If you’re joining us in Phoenix on Monday, prepare yourself with this list of tips for maximizing your conference experience. Plus, gather a few ideas for how to continue to build new relationships after the event:
- Arrive early! Once your booth is set up, walk the floor and take note of other exhibitors. You will get a lot of great ideas – maybe even learn what not to do.
- Review key messages and product information with your booth’s staff.
- Check in with the host association/tradeshow folks.
- If the tradeshow is utilizing social media, update often. You can also retweet and/or comment other vendors’ and association updates.
- Visit your competitors’ booths during show hours, but be careful not to interfere when they are busy. Always invite them to visit you as well.
- Keep your booth neat and organized. (Amazing how torn up things get during a rush!)
- Check the press room a few times a day. There is always a chance you might run into some trade folks and have the chance to chat it up in person.
- After the show, follow up with all new contacts and leads.
- Meet with sales, and regional, reps to discuss hot leads, and next steps for follow up. Keep the entire company in the loops with event details, successes and hot leads.
- Send thank you email to top association folks for a great show.
Check out full lists of more pre-, during and post-show tips in our previous blog posts. And, stay tuned for an NAED-themed Follow Friday tomorrow, recommendations of fun things to see and do while visiting Phoenix on Saturday and a wrap-up on Sunday. See you in Phoenix!
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Photo credit: NAED
