The PPAI Expo is just a few days away. Whether this is your first time attending or you’ve attended for years, get ready to connect with all the promo pros, grow your network, learn a ton and have a fantastic time in the process.

You can make the most of any trade show experience with a little prep work. The Indeed Editorial Team shared a post that explains how to prepare for a conference or trade show. We highlight the post in this issue of PromoPro Daily. 

Set some goals. Know what you want to achieve by attending The PPAI Expo and then create some goals for yourself. Maybe you want to meet a set number of new people each day. Or maybe you’re looking for a mentor or a new position. Knowing what you want to get out of the event can help you create an efficient strategy, the post says.

Stay nearby. Whether you stay on the Las Vegas Strip or just outside of it, you’re more likely to have informal interactions and relationship building opportunities if you book a room nearby. 

Do your research. The post recommends learning about the presenters, attendees and workshops before attending. What events spark your interest? What companies do you want to learn about, and which attendees do you hope to meet?

Make your presence known. Before you arrive, the post suggests interacting with fellow attendees on social media. Let people know you’ll be attending so you can make plans to meet in person.

Have a plan. To use your time efficiently, the post suggests creating a schedule and choosing the workshops and presentations you want to attend. You can then build out your schedule from there.

Consider unexpected connections. During The PPAI Expo, be open to meeting anyone who wants to talk to you. You never know who you might meet, what connections they bring or what career opportunities they may offer, the post says.

Create an exit strategy. You can also maximize your time by preparing a few exit strategies or closing statements to politely end conversations that may run longer than you expected. Some examples from the post include:

  • It was nice talking to you. Enjoy the rest of the event!
  • Please excuse me. I have to check in with my partner.
  • Do you have a business card?
  • Let’s get coffee next week.

Offer help. This is a great way to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones. Find out how you can share your expertise or help someone reach a business goal.

Ask questions. Treat any trade show or professional event as an opportunity to learn more about the promo industry. The post says that while you can present yourself as an expert whenever possible, you can also seek those whose knowledge you find interesting. To strike up a conversation or keep the dialogue going, try asking these questions.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: The Indeed Editorial Team, which includes writers, researchers and subject matter experts.