How to Navigate a Trade Show Floor
One of the focal points of any trade show is the show floor - the open hall where manufacturers, resellers, and service providers show off their equipment, staff, and capabilities. While exciting, a show floor can also be intimidating - especially for someone who has not attended a show before or doesn’t have tech training.
Since Filmscape Chicago’s mission is all about making film technology accessible to everyone, we reached out to a few of our friends to get some tips and tricks to make your next trade show experience one to remember.
Rey Tang, Camera Ambassador:
Planning ahead of time:
Look up what companies will be at the trade show ahead of time and research the ones you'd be interested in.
Compile a list of companies you want to check out and write yourself a reminder as to something unique about that company or their products. This will allow you to quickly reference a few talking points when you approach their table.
Find out if any of your friends are going. If not, ask if they want to go with you. Having a friend by your side can make the exhibit hall seem much less intimidating!
Be sure to subscribe to email or text notifications from Filmscape so that you are kept up to date.
Order business cards, stickers, or some other inexpensive promotional materials that you can give to people you meet so that they can check out your work and get in touch with you.
Day of the show:
Look up the exhibitor and classroom map. Indicate locations of the companies you wanted to visit on the map!
Pack a tote or backpack with a snack, sunscreen, a pen/paper, deodorant, and whatever marketing materials you had made.
After the show:
Continue the conversation even after Filmscape! In the upcoming week, be sure to send a quick thank you email to folks who you'd made a connection with, along with bringing up some of the conversations that you'd had with them
Snehal Patel, ZEISS America:
Take your time – be sure to carve out time to visit every booth at a tradeshow. At least a few minutes on average for each one. You may not be interested in the items being shown at the booth, but it’s great to get to know all the people that are working because you never know when that relationship can come in handy. Plus you may find some new gear or piece of kit you never considered before.
Ask questions – the people working in the booths are there to help you out. They took the time to put together a presentation, in person, so that you have a chance to inquire about any topic of interest. Make use of this opportunity, because it is rare. Even if you don’t know what they are presenting or selling, just simply ask “what is this booth about?”. You will never get a dismissive answer.
Bring a Bag – to collect the brochures and SWAG that you will want to take come to study and enjoy later.
Take breaks – tradeshows can be small or large, inside or outside. Be sure to plan on taking food breaks and drink plenty of water. Hydration will help your stamina.
Have fun – this is the most important part about shows. Enjoy your time with old friends and new. It’s usually a great time
Colette Gabriel, Keslow Camera:
Before you go:
Look at the vendor list and make note of the top vendors you want to check out
Review the class schedule and plan out which classes you want to attend. (Make sure to build in breaks!)
Day of show:
When you arrive, familiarize yourself with the show floor map and the venue. Find the key vendors you want to hit and plan a rough timeline based on their location.
Your schedule should be a loose outline with lots of room for mingling, checking out other vendors not on your must-see list, and breaks for refueling.
Bring business cards if you have them!
Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather if you’ll be outside. Don’t be afraid to promote yourself if you have swag to wear to advertise your company, film, whatever. It can be a great icebreaker!
Remember that everyone is there to learn, teach, meet, and have fun, so don’t be shy about talking to anyone.
After the show:
Follow up with people you met at the show to keep the conversations and learning going.
Fill out the post show survey. Your feedback really does help make a difference for the next show.
Gary Adcock, Filmscape:
Water is the most important thing to carry with you
You will be talking all the time, Ginger throat lozenges will help that dry throat.
Wear comfortable shoes, you are on your feet all day.
Take a break every 2-3 hrs, Set your butt down in a session, go to a networking event.