Three tips for tradeshow triumph

Spending two days at Confex last week may have made some of you realise that trade shows are a bit of a black hole unless you roll up with an agenda. Marketing Manager at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre Roopi Woodall has three tips for coming away with armfuls of treats, knowledge and inspiration.

• Venues throw a lot of weight behind their tradeshow presence. It’s a fixture on the marketing calendar that properties march toward with campaigns in mind, so expect to discover new services, product launches, big announcements, or attractive incentives. Take time to physically stop and talk to suppliers and you might find yourself on the guest list for a future exclusive event.

• Don’t go without a plan. Know the show floor and familiarise yourself with the exhibitor list in advance. Map out who you want to see and head there first. Don’t get distracted by gifts and food samples – at least not until you’ve ticked off your must-sees. Tackle tradeshows like you would shopping on Oxford Street and stick to the programme to avoid inevitable burn-out. Save the exploring for when the real work is done.

• Get social and join the conversation. Tap into the show’s hashtag on twitter for news, exhibitor information, links to exclusive offers and events, plus shout-outs about free-to-attend panel debates and workshops.

Trade shows have a responsibility to inspire management assistants and create opportunities to talk and discover new ideas. The QEII Centre is delighted to be taking part in the Meetings Show and Square Meal later this year. Stop by its stand to find out more about the venue.

For more information, visit qeiicentre.london/.