The PPAI Expo is coming up fast. Between reconnecting with familiar faces and meeting new ones, a little intention now can go a long way before you head to Vegas — no matter how many times you’ve been.
In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we highlight an expert roundup from the Featured blog that covers how you can make the most of your time at trade shows. Read on for some practical tips so you arrive in Vegas ready to engage and soak up everything The Expo has to offer.
Cluster activities during travel. Before you leave for Vegas, take care of any pressing issues and make sure you’re caught up on emails. On your way back from The Expo, organize what you’ve learned and the people you plan to reach out to when you’re back in the office. The post says trying to do more than these two things can be counterproductive.
Stay organized. Whether you like tools like Trello or Asana or you like to block off time in Google Calendar, organizing your tasks and notes is key. This ensures nothing slips through the cracks. The post recommends using downtime while you’re in transit or waiting for the show floor to open to respond to emails and review your meeting notes.
Create a detailed itinerary. Before you leave home, the post recommends outlining details like travel times, meal breaks and even downtime to recharge. This way, you can make the most of every moment without feeling rushed.
Map out priorities. Time management is crucial at major events like The Expo. Make sure you know which booths and meetings are your top priorities. Keep a strict schedule to visit target exhibitors and attend essential meetings and events.
Carry a focused work environment with you. According to the post, you can make your travel time productive by treating it as a mobile office. Use noise-canceling headphones and mobile hotspots to create a focused work environment wherever you are. To avoid burnout, be sure to balance work with relaxation.
Prioritize networking. Don’t get caught up trying to meet everyone. Instead, plan your meetings ahead of time so you’re not scrambling. The post recommends leaving some flexibility in your schedule for unexpected opportunities. Sometimes those impromptu conversations turn out to be the most valuable.
Try some of the tips above, like clustering your activities and creating detailed itineraries, to maximize your experience next week. This is how you can make meaningful connections and turn The Expo into a springboard for growth.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: An expert roundup on the Featured blog.
