Events and exhibitions showcase the very best that an industry has to offer and they are often crammed with opportunities. But why should you pay them a visit?
In this article, Colin Sinclair McDermott aka The Online Print Coach outlines the benefits that attending exhibitions can provide you and your business. He offers several reasons why you should take the time out of your busy working day to attend.
1. Look for a weekend opening
Events that offer a weekend opening, means those who would typically struggle to take time out to attend due to work commitments, there’s no longer that barrier. You can take the time and invest both in yourself and your business.
2. Stay ahead of the latest market trends
Our industry has changed so much in recent years and it’s important to make sure you stay informed with the latest market trends and remain ahead of the game. Exhibitions that provide a packed and exciting programme of seminars means you can learn from the experts.
3. A variety of exhibitors
By attending an exhibition, you’ll also gain access to numerous types of exhibitors available to assist in the growth of your business. From manufacturers showcasing the latest technology, and suppliers of consumables and software tools to trade production services, exhibitions offer huge variety.
4. Connect or reconnect
Exhibitions provide the perfect place to connect or even reconnect with suppliers and strategic partners. Events like this don’t happen often here in the UK and nothing beats a valuable and physical face-to-face conversation.
5. Plan ahead
Arriving at an exhibition and trawling up and down the aisles when you first arrive can be a little overwhelming. Exhibitors try to grab your attention, pass you information, or scan your badges, and rightly so. They’ve likely paid a lot of money to be there and put themselves in front of you, their ideal target audience. If you have time, I recommend taking a moment to speak to as many of the exhibitors as possible however by planning ahead and scheduling time with the key exhibitors you have identified an interest in, you can prioritise your time and be more productive with it.
6. Meaningful conversations
If you’ve planned ahead and an exhibitor is expecting you, it can often lead to a more structured and meaningful conversation as it gives you both the chance to plan and prepare for it. This can often mean the time is more personalised to your needs. The challenge when turning up on a stand unplanned, more often than not, details can be overlooked or missed.
7. A clear agenda
Attending trade shows can be expensive with travel costs and accommodation, not to mention the non-monetary cost of time away from your usual day-to-day tasks so it needs to be worth your while. Having a clear agenda and planning out your pre-arranged meetings means you can structure your day(s) best to fit in around other aspects of the show like demos and seminars.
8. Final bit of advice
My one bit of advice would be to give yourself plenty of time between meetings if you can. If your schedule is too tight, you may fall victim to missing out on unexpected opportunities that arise while walking around the exhibition hall. Try and allow some flexibility if you can.
