If you’re planning on attending a business show there’s a few simple things you need to know to get the most out of your visit.

Don’t go there to sell your services to the exhibitors

‍If you’re attending a business show with the intention to actively sell and promote your services to the exhibitors on the day, you have a slim chance of this working.  Expect to receive a negative welcome for sure.  

You have to remember that exhibitors have invested a lot of time and money into being at the show in order to promote their services.  They are there to meet you.

That’s not to say you cannot network or exchange details with each other, with the view of contacting them after the event.  But if you really want to spread the word about your business make sure you make the most of the networking opportunities in the café area or add your business to the Networking Wall for free to promote your services to all the attendees and exhibitors at the expo.

Check out the speaker programme

All good business shows have a number of carefully chosen keynote speakers and our events are no exception!  If you’re planning on visiting a business expo, check out the speakers before the event and make a note of the seminars and workshops you’d like to attend.  

Be sure to arrive 5-10 minutes before the seminar begins to ensure you can get a seat as most seminars are on a first come, first served basis.

Make sure you walk around the exhibition hall twice

‍When visiting a business exhibition, it is important that you take the time to walk around the entire exhibition hall.  We even recommend walking around twice!  This is because it is very easy to miss certain stands and exhibits on your first attempt, so make the most of your visit by going around the room more than once!  You never know who you’ll end up bumping into…

Bring plenty of business cards with you

‍So many visitors to these type of events forget to bring with them business cards.  Business cards are crucial if you are to network effectively and efficiently at an exhibition.  Not only will you need them to pass out to people you meet, but business cards are also frequently used to enter yourself into exciting prize draws and competitions to win fantastic prizes.

Invite a colleague, networking buddy or friend

‍Attending a business show on your own can be daunting – especially if you’ve never been before or if you’re not a keen networker!  But to help make your experience more relaxing, why not bring a friend or a networking contact with you!  Attending events like these with somebody else can be both interesting and inspiring.  It also helps to make the day more fun!  

Finding the time to get out of the office can be a struggle, but attending business shows can really help increase your network, allow you to meet new people, catch-up with existing contacts and help you come up with new ideas and inspiration for your own business.