LMA Annual Conference Exhibitor Guide
BEFORE THE CONFERENCE
Planning:
- Set goals
- Example: I want to meet X amount of new prospects, showcase a new product/release, meet with X amount of current clients, or raise awareness of X.
- Schedule appointments with prospects or clients in advance
- Ask prospects and clients about their needs and plan to discuss them during their visit
- Dress professionally and wear comfortable shoes
- Make sure all components of your display have been setup prior to the show so you know if any pieces are missing or things need to be replaced.
- Have a record of any shipping numbers accessible to you at the show to find misplaced items.
- Make sure to have essentials like tape, scissors, and clips packed for those unforeseen issues.
- Bring a list of show contacts and emergency numbers.
DURING THE CONFERENCE
- Upon arrival, review the conference program for any updates or changes to the schedule and revise your plan accordingly.
- Make sure your badge is in plain sight while working trade show booths so people can identify who you are and address you by name it makes an introduction less awkward.
- When possible, provide attendees with literature or samples on jump drives or via email
- Have a system in place for taking notes about the people you meet and what next steps are with them to communicate back to others that may need the information to follow up with them.
- Promote other sessions, dinners and meetings that your company is involved with during the show for them to learn more about your business.
- Take a break after a few hours to refresh, have a snack and get some fresh air.
- Bring plenty of your own business cards.
- Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to others and try to find a common interest/problem to talk about.
- Attend seminars and workshops. These educational presentations may help you identify clients and prospects needs and where you may be able to provide insight and more information on an issue.
- Don't crowd at the booth. Too many people in one area can be uninviting and attendees may pass your booth up instead of engaging with you.
AFTER THE CONFERENCE
- Review your objectives; did you achieve your goals for attending the conference?
- Organize your notes and materials for future reference.
- Follow-up as promised.
- File business cards or contact information you collected during the conference.
LMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE EXHIBITOR GUIDE
BEFORE THE CONFERENCE
- Identify your firm’s needs before the conference.
- Review the list of service providers, sponsors and speakers in advance of your arrival. Align this list with your firm’s needs and determine who you should meet.
- Ask for an appointment to meet at the conference. This will maximize your time on site and allow a service provider time to prepare for your visit and possible customize a product demonstration for you.
- Be prepared to collect and pack or ship literature, collateral or product samples you find in the exhibit hall.
DURING THE CONFERENCE
- Upon arrival, review the conference program for any updates or changes to the schedule and revise your plan accordingly.
- Dress professionally and wear comfortable shoes
- Introduce yourself by name and company name and ensure your badge is visible when visiting the exhibit hall
- Carry a supply of business cards during the conference
- Collect business cards from people you meet; write notes from your conversations on the back of cards.
- Take advantage of show specials, discounts and sales where available.
- If you are planning to purchase any custom merchandise, bring your artwork and other files on a flash drive. Most vendors are equipped with laptops and can quickly send the data to the appropriate department.
- Take a break after a few hours to refresh, have a snack and get some fresh air.
- Engage with vendors to learn more about who they are and how they can help YOU, if there is a common interest such as CRM, learn what they know about the topic, how they stay current with the market, and who some of their current clients are.
- Be respectful of everyone’s time and don't linger too long at exhibit booths. If you want to continue a lengthy conversation, ask to meet up later.
AFTER THE CONFERENCE
- Review your objectives; did you achieve your goals for attending the conference?
- Organize your notes and materials for future reference.
- Follow-up as promised.
- File business cards or contact information you collected during the conference.
- Summarize your successes at the conference and share the information with your peers and your superiors
