Some last minute tips for all of the vendor folks working a tradeshow booth at a major conference.
Your head of marketing, your event manager, etc. have been busting their rear ends for the past six months. What they’ve done and what they will do to keep things running smoothly through the week is not for the faint of heart. If they get a little cranky with you, it isn’t personal. Be good to them. Offer them snacks and caffeine.
You aren’t there to take orders. Walk the perimeter of your booth. Hang out in spots where you can see attendees slowing down, glancing over, doing that mental calculation of whether or not to stop. That’s your cue. Say hello first. A simple “hey, have you heard of us?” goes a long way.
Nobody wants their badge scanned before you’ve even said hello. They aren’t leads, they’re people. As tempting as it is, don’t even look at their badge until you’ve broken the ice. Introduce yourself, learn who they are, ask what sparked their interest. Then ask if it would be ok to scan their badge and take some notes.
If you’re talking to a real prospect, book meeting time on their calendar before they walk away. The odds of securing that meeting after everyone is back in the office trying to catch up are incredibly low. Do it right now, while they’re standing there and the conversation is warm. If it’s a real opportunity, treat it like one and get it on the calendar.
Good luck to everyone!