The Keys to Conversational Success in Trade Shows

Trade show season is upon us, and it is important to stay at the top of your game.  One of the keys to conversational success, and one that is often overlooked, is critical thinking.  Being able to answer high-pressure questions on the fly and having the ability to use critical thinking to actively engage and listen in a conversation with a potential client are vitally important.  Especially in respect to trade show success.

There is not a better time to make those essential business contacts than on a trade show floor – so stay on your toes!

Warm Up

Typically stretching is required when doing strenuous work-outs or activities, so why not do the same for your mind?  It is important to warm up your critical thinking skills so that you can maximize the results of your conversations with trade show attendees.  You are there to get results, not make small talk.  To warm up the day we have a few recommendations that many people have found caan increase productivity in their everyday efforts.

• Eat a nutrient rich meal
• Go over key talking/selling points
• Listen to a podcast on the industry topic
• Talk and Strategize with co-workers

These are just a few quick ways to prepare yourself for the often tedious task of patrolling a trade show floor or working a trade show booth.  It is a smart idea to prepare for trade show attendees.

Dive In

Next, it is important to wholeheartedly dive into the work that you do; which is the case for life and not just for trade show success.

Trade Show attendees are a rather smart bunch and they will be able to sense a lack-luster employee or incredulous energy.  This is why, when attending a trade show or working a trade show booth, it’s important to completely emerge yourself in the thick of it.  Memorize the floor and the competition, see what they are doing and take it up a notch from there.

Whatever it is that you choose to do, devote yourself to it wholeheartedly – and ensure that your employees do the same.

Be Engaged

Lastly, the importance of being actively engaged cannot be stressed more.  This means actively listening to conversations for key talking points, or for any conversation signals for possible expansion.  This is true in the trade show setting, especially if you or your employees happen to be working a booth.  The longer a conversation goes, the more likely an attendee will hear about your product – and the easier it is to connect with the person on the other side.

For instance, if a trade show employee, whose business was in the athletic shoe industry, was talking to an attendee about the attendee’s young family.  It could be taken as a good opportunity to mention the company’s killer prices on children’s shoes because young kids grow out of them so quickly.

It is important to seize these opportunities whenever possible.  Most importantly however, it is important to be engaged with your audience to show that you care.

Test it out

As mentioned above, trade show season is upon us.  It is vital that you, your representatives, and your presentations are up-to-date and eager to get out there.  If you fear that your trade show window of opportunity is closing, then do not fret!  PBExpo 2018 is nearly upon us and they will be hosting an array of amazing opportunities to shake hands with seasoned professionals in the aviation, aerospace, and technology fields.

PBExpo 2018 is the perfect opportunity to put your new active listening and active engagement tools to use.  Even if you wish to simply walk the floor, come to sunny South Florida at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center to put your skills to the test.

If you are interested in finding out more you can reach any of our personable staff at 561-953-0700 or check out PBExpo.org.