Top 10 Trade Show Tips

1. Book a room in the headquarters hotel. This is where most of the heavy-hitters will be staying and after hour activities will often take place in the onsite eating and drinking establishments - the bars. Also, many spontaneous meetings will take place in public areas within the hotel.

2. Market to the attendee list before the show. Offer a giveaway if they bring your postcard to your booth.

3. Bring plenty of sales literature and business cards. 

4. Offer a giveaway at the booth to attract passersby into your booth.

5. If you enter your product in any new product contests, beware of the double-edged sword: The exposure might drive your business but also might invite knockoffs. 

6. Follow-up with prospective customers within two weeks of the show.

7. Offer an incentive such as free shipping for anyone placing an order at the show plus an additional discount if they prepay the order.

8. Leave for the show from your hotel a little early to avoid long lines for buses and cabs.

9. Wear comfortable shoes.

10. Set meetings with preferred vendors prior to the show.