This year it was held in Atlanta. My first impressions...it was BIG and like all of the other tradeshows I have been to in my career, well worth the information I picked up and provided.
If you are in the laundry industry I think you need to go to the Clean Show at least twice in your career.
The first time it is very easy to get overwhelmed with all of the things to do and see and people to talk to. I never knew there were so many ways to fold sheets for example. When you attend the second time you have a little bit more of an understanding of what you are running into.
So in advance of my article that I will write before my second trip, here are some pointers for first timers:
1. The show is bigger than you think. You can't see everything in a day. This show lasted four days, I would recommend going for at least three days. The exhibit all alone will take up most of that time
2. Bring two pairs of comfortable shoes. There is a lot of walking and standing. Wear one pair of shoes one day and the second pair the next day. Changing shoes helps cushion different parts of your feet making fatigue less severe. If possible change socks in the middle of the day before going out for the evening. You will thank me for it!
3. Bring a backpack/bag to carry stuff in that is functional for you. The tote bags and plastic bags given by vendors are nice, but not really practical for carrying water or food and they are hard to hold after a time. You want to have something you can sling over a shoulder to get it out of the way so you can talk and play with the equipment unencumbered.
4. Food in the convention hall sucks no matter what. It is convention food. Nothing will change that. Eat a good breakfast. Bring something light for lunch and then go out for a fun dinner.
5. Bring a big bottle of lemon water, plain water, or something with electrolytes. You'll need to drink after talking with everyone and the burst of sugar will help you get though the last 20 aisles of vendors everyday!
6. Speaking of eating and drinking, meet up for a drink or dinner with your customers, distributors, and friends. It is fun and you can learn a lot from each other, plus it gives you something in common to talk about besides work because you learn a little bit more about each other.
7. Attend at least one education session. There is always something you can learn from others. Take advantage of it and learn a few more ideas
8. Bring business cards. We're in the digital age, however cards are a good ice breaker for conversations, leads, and information.
9. Be sure to write notes on the business card, not only about the company or product, but about the person you met with because I guarantee you it will be hard to remember who is who in the pictures a week later.
10. Ask questions of the company reps at the booth. You will get a lot of information you don't need and various salespeople wanting information to call you, but if you don't ask you don't learn. Besides, the sales person that works for a competitor or different equipment company today, might be your rep in the future!
11. At some point sit down and take a break, or even a couple, during the day where you just chill. Trade shows can be sensory overload times just like a casino. All the noise and gadgets can cause brain lock. Sit down and soak it all in and just relax for a bit before going back to the convention floor.
12. Talk to your peers from another part of the country. I spoke to some amazing owners and salespeople. Since they were not close to me, we weren't competitors so there was a more easy free flow of information. There were quite a few that I got to hear their story and they were inspiring! Gave me some great ideas or made me look at situations in a different way.
13. When you are done for the day at the show and done for the evening with dinners and drinks, take some down time for yourself at the hotel or house. Read a book, watch a movie, listen to music, draw, anything not related to laundry. It will calm your mind so you can sleep better, help recharge the batteries...SO YOU CAN HIT THE SHOW AGAIN THE NEXT DAY WITH ENERGY AND ENTUSIASM!
14. When you get back home, take a vacation day the next day. Your sleepy brain, messed up stomach from travel and convention hall food, and your aching feet will thank you!
Ev
A Heck of A Nice Guy
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.