It is often thought that you have to be an exhibitor in order to generate leads at conferences or business 
expos. Many that attend think they are the lead or prospect and miss out on a golden opportunity to network and prospect while attending such events. You can use the convention floor as a vehicle to meet people who can help your business – even if they never actually buy from you.
You may find competitors, members of the press and even suppliers that you have used or plan to use to be very helpful in opening up doors for you. My point is that expos of any kind are about people and making connections, if you don’t plan to meet and talk with everyone and anyone that crosses your path, you should just stay home and watch the Food Network Channel.
Here are some basic key points to focus on while attending a business expo.
During any show or event engage others, strike up a conversation with everyone you can.
If there is a lunch break, be sure to sit with those you have never met before.
When standing in line to buy a coffee or while waiting to enter a workshop or the event itself, ask the person behind you how the event is going for them thus far or what they hope to gain from attending the event.
While walking the exhibit floor look for opportunities to converse with others on the floor – stop and chat with the vendors and try to work in why you are attending the event and ask questions that will get the vendor to ask about you and your business.
Keep working – don’t go back to your hotel room and turn on the tube, make sure you attend the after hours events to continue your networking with attendees and vendors.
Keeping your eyes and ears open will bring you many opportunities while attending conferences; you just need to be focused and alert.
Tim Somers
Bizarre Promotions, Inc.
