Prior to the expo:
- Prepare your tools for the expo on the night before so you can maintain your focus on the day of the event
- If the expo has a website, take a look at the vendors who will be exhibiting.
- Create a list prioritizing the categories you wish to gather information about
- Label folders according to each category of products and services you wish to gather
- Use standard letter envelopes to hold business cards for each category. Mark the front of each accordingly
- Use a compact notebook, pen and yellow highlighter
- Pack a tote bag with your supplies and personal essentials in place of your purse
- Upon entering the show, immediately locate a program listing exhibitors
- Step aside from the crowd and find a space where you can review the program
- Scan the list to find those exhibitors who match your high priority categories
- Make a list of their booth numbers. If possible organize the list in numerical order
- Next, familiarize yourself with the space's layout and arrangement of booths
- Use your list of booth numbers to determine your first stop
- Head straight for the booths for your top priority vendors
- Give yourself ample time to decompress, even if it is several days
- Review the materials you have collected at the show only when you feel refreshed and enthusiastic
- Sort through the materials on a category by category basis rather than all at once
- Do not throw away any business cards until you have hired a vendor in case you need to revisit the selection process
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