Going to a trade show can be chaotic. Going in with a plan helps to ease the chaos and allow you to focus on why you are there. There are many different parts to your plan but this blog post focuses on the 3 places that I look for at each show. (Beyond your booth of course!)
Those three places are the exhibitor office, the building facilities, and the exhibitor lounge.
The Exhibitor Office
This is the nerve center of the trade show. Here you will find almost every piece of information you will need. This is where you will go to pick up lead retrieval, order extra services, do shipping, and pick up any paperwork.
At the larger shows you will find the office on the map and there is often hanging signs to help direct you. At smaller shows, it will be found along the back or edges of the show, often close to the load in doors.
A word of advice – be very nice to these people. They hold the success of your show in their hands. They can kick you off the show floor. Always ask for help and be polite until it become necessary to demand. (Which is very rare)
The Building Facilities
These include the bathrooms, water fountains, and open concessions. These are places that you will need to know about for you and your booth staff but this knowledge can also be used to help the attendees.
Having this small bit of expertise will actually make you seem more competent in others eyes, it can help establish a connection and trust.
The Exhibitor Lounge (Or a Quite Place to Sit)
Larger shows will have a dedicated space for exhibitors to escape the show floor. Sometimes it is just a pipe and drape area, other times it is a room on a different floor. Most of the time tables and chairs and water is provided in these spaces.
If the show does not have this, finding a place outside of your booth to sit and decompress for a minute is the next best thing.
These spaces are where you can take a breath, reset, eat a quick lunch, and even just sit. (See my love hate relationship with chairs). Even if it is only two of you working the booth, you need to take a break.
You will be amazed at how this can raise your energy level, keep you healthy, and allow you to be your best on the trade show floor.
Adding time to find these places to your set up plan will save you time and energy later in the show.