I was a newbie at Expo West this year. Luckily, I got some expert advice from some fast-made friends who are quite familiar in the industry.
I talked to Rachel Zemser, an R&D consultant, who weighed in before the show. Customers gave me insight. And I rode from the airport with an experienced employee of KeHe. All in all, I got some great prep advice that helped my show go smoothly.
If you’re attending any trade shows over the next year, this advice from the pros will come in very helpful!
READ: The Food Industry’s Best Trade Shows: A Comparison
Pack Water
Pack water! I can’t say this clearly enough. You will walk non-stop at the big shows, and water becomes such a simple thing, that you will desperately, desperately want by the end of the day.
Personally, I think that some of the specialty water booths must do very well at these food trade shows, simply because people are so thirsty! I know personally, I gained a new appreciation for them by the end of the day!
Wear Flats
Ladies, be comfortable. Screw professionalism.
No, I shouldn’t say that, really. But I will say that it all depends on your goals. If you are setting important client meetings, find a way to look professional in flats. Or at least pack some comfy shoes for later.
If you’re going to find new suppliers and explore the floor, your goal is best achieved if you can stay on your feet and be comfortable for as long as possible during the day. If you’re on the move for the whole day, go for tennis shoes.
This was the number one advice that I heard. Wear comfortable shoes. Period.
Break For Lunch
I found it interesting how, surrounded by so much food and so many samples, your body can be so unsatisfied by 3pm.
At food shows like Expo West (think delicious, natural and organic products) you get delicious bites of food every step that you can’t resist. Half bites, I should say. Just enough to stave off your hunger for another 3 minutes.
But by the end of the day, you’re often lacking protein and focus. Taking a real break for lunch will allow you to get further through your day AND finish all of the work that you’ll have to catch up on that night.
Go To Where The Small Brands Are
This was the coolest last minute, impromptu advice that I got. Save the big brands for last. Go first to the smaller, inspirational, grass roots and growing brands first.
I found that not only were they the most interesting and engaging, they really inspired me to continue through the rest of the show. They reminded me why I was there— for the love of good food.
At Natural Products Expo West, this is in the lower level, Hall E, for your future reference.
Plan Meetings Ahead of Time
I’ll admit, there are some great impromptu meetings that you may have. Hey! There’s somebody that I know!
But if you really want to get through some professional meetings (even just the simple meet and greets), schedule them in advance. There’s far too much going on during the event to do this at the same time with many different contacts.
Just realize that you may have to be flexible last minute, and that the meeting times may change.
What other tips do you have from your past trade show experiences? Add to the list in the comments below!
Topics: Industry Trends
