There are a few things to keep in mind when going to a trade show to maximize the networking opportunity. First, don’t sit beside a colleague or someone you’ve already met.Instead, challenge yourself to make new contacts throughout the day. Always ask for the business card of the person you’ve just met. Before moving on to the next new contact, note the name and date of the event on the back of the card, as well as anything that will help you remember the person later. Trade shows are events where you can meet hundreds of people if you have a booth. But don’t forget about mixing and meeting the other exhibitors as well. They’re all there to generate new business and meet new contacts too.If the conference has workshops, volunteer to speak. Presenting at a business conference is a good strategy to attain more exposure for your company and your own area of expertise. When you attend a conference for the first time, introduce yourself to the person responsible for booking the topics and speakers for next year’s event. Then develop a relationship with this individual for the next year ahead of time.Don’t view trade shows as a way to close a deal, but rather as the chance to make a connection. Approach the event with a sense of wanting to learn as much as you can about the other people you’ll meet instead of trying to tell them all about you. Remember to send a follow up email or phone call to the contacts that you made at the show. Contact Ocean Strategic Group for more advice on how to maximize your trade show experience. 

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