Trade Show Tips

Trade shows can be exciting and tiring! You will certainly do a lot of walking and you'll also get to see and try a lot of new product, while sometimes saving a few dollars on some of your favored products.

The beauty trade show industry travels across the country marketing themselves to cosmetologists, estheticians and nail technicians. There are opportunities for classes, demonstrations and on-hand learning. Some shows offer competitions for people to showcase their talents. Rows and rows of product all trying to get your attention can be an eye full if you haven't been to one before. Hair shows can offer loud music and show caliber style. Skin Care only shows tend to be a quieter and more tranquil environment. Nails only shows are smaller and harder to find, but they do exist. Nail Pro Magazine holds a few of these events across the country throughout the year.

Walking into a trade show unprepared can leave you a little overwhelmed. Knowing what you want to get out of the experience can help. When you know you are going to attend a particular trade show email the company or call them. Getting a brochure and schedule will help you plan ahead. You are able to see if there are classes you need to take for continuing education credits or on a topic you wanted to learn more about.

Shopping at a trade show can be daunting! Bring both credit and cash. Some companies do not have the ability to do credit transactions at their booth and will require a cash purchase. Remember to have your license handy in case it is requested. A rolling bag makes carrying all those bags much easier! After my first trade show with my arms full of bags, I saw a woman with a rolling bag and realized I needed that for future trips!

Wear comfortable shoes to a trade show. Dress is business casual and comfortable shoes are a requirement! You will be doing a lot of walking and standing. Bring a bottle of water with you and remember to stay hydrated. Walking this much is more than some people are used to on a regular basis and you'll appreciate the water to help you from becoming fatigued.

Buy only what you need or the products you want to try. Making a list of what you are looking for will help you from making too many impulse buys. Everything will seem wonderful and worth trying at that moment, so being prepared with a shopping list will help save time and money!

Lastly, enjoy yourself! You are among like-minded professional's who are also enjoying the experience. Mingle and network, you never know who you will meet. Bring lots of business cards and hand them out. You will have the opportunity to talk, discuss and spend time with others in your industry and you may learn some tips and pointers from others, or maybe you can share them with the newer licensed professionals!

Trade shows are a great opportunity to learn more about your fellow coworkers and an even better opportunity to network!