Trade shows can be 15 hour days and when you string 3 or 4 of those together it can be a recipe for illness. Over the years I have found with 5 ways to stay healthy and ensure I have energy after the trade show is finished.

1. Drink a lot of Water

Water is important and you need to drink enough each day. Water helps to keep away headaches, flush the salt from the snacks that you eat on the go, and gives you an excuse to step out of the booth for a moment.

2. Snacks

Always have quick, portable snacks on me at trade shows. The snacks help replenish your energy and it keeps the hangry at bay. No show attendee wants to talk to a grumpy booth staffer. Snacks help you push your trade show goals forward.

3. Sleep

You need to find what helps you sleep; white noise machines, sleep masks, melatonin etc. Find what helps and stick to it. There is little substitute for sleep – food can help for a short time but not in the long run.

4. Comfortable Shoes

You will be standing on concrete a lot. Carpet padding can help but you still need to ensure your shoes don’t cause you pain. Also, consider different shoes for different days. Wearing the same shoes for 3 days is a recipe for blisters.

5. Mindful Minute

Take a minute or two at least once a day to just sit and breath. Find a quiet corner, put your phone away, close your eyes, and breath. Use this to center and calm myself. These quick bursts of mindfulness help you to recharge.

Trade shows are long and stressful days, find a routine that works for you to keep you healthy.

Post-Trade Show Surveys

Post-Trade Show Surveys

In-house, post-trade show surveys have given me invaluable feedback and great ideas. I ask each salesperson and booth staffer to complete my quick 5 – 6 question survey. People who were just attendees at the show to complete the survey as well. It gives a slightly...

My Love/Hate Relationship with Chairs

My Love/Hate Relationship with Chairs

Chairs. I have a love/hate relationship with the chairs that often come with your trade show floor space. The basic booth package for a 10 x 10 space is the pipe and drape, one 8 foot table, and two folding chairs. I often hide or give away the chairs that come with...

Brainstorming for Trade Shows

Brainstorming for Trade Shows

I love brainstorming sessions. I love to stand in front of a huge whiteboard and bounce ideas off of others. To build on ideas. To think up wild ideas. Some of my fondest memories of afternoons at work have been huddled around a white board and dragging random people...