Maximize Your Trade Show Experience with These 8 Tips
Canada’s national concrete trade show is returning to the International Centre on January 22-23. This year, the Canadian Concrete Expo (CCE) features 350 exhibiting companies, 26+ conference sessions, 8+ large equipment demonstrations and 10+ stage presentations, and special networking events.
“CCE creates commerce, partnerships, education, face-to-face meetings with exhibitors and on-site product comparisons to an attending national audience representing Canada’s $8 billion per year concrete industry” says Stuart Galloway, President, 20/20 Show Productions—show organizer. “For the price of admission, you’ll leave with a wealth of knowledge, find real business solutions, and build new connections to help you advance in the new age of concrete.”
In previous years, 6,000 concrete professionals have attended the show each year. For those who are attending this year, here are seven tips for getting the most out of your CCE experience.
For those who are attending the 2020 show, here are eight tips to help you take full advantage of all the opportunities provided by the show.
1. Decide your goals for attending the show
What is most important to you? Do you need a new solution? Or a better way of conducting your business? Maybe you just want to network? Once you identify your objectives, you can create an action plan.
2. Register in advance
Not only can you save on advanced registration, but there are conferences and social networking events with limited capacity so you could miss out if you wait until show time to register.
3. Make smart travel accommodations
How much time do you need at the show? Check the show’s pages for travel information. There are discount opportunities on select hotels and airlines. Plus, by staying at the hotels associated with the show, you are more likely to meet by accident someone who could be helpful to your company. Check what the weather is expected to be and make appropriate travel arrangements.
4. Determine in advance which exhibitors you will visit
The show may be two days long, but you don’t need to take two days to see all the exhibitors you want to see. Exhibitors can be busy, and you may need to circle back to see the person you want at that company. Make a list of must-see exhibitors and maybe-see exhibitors. See your must-see exhibitors first. Group them by location to save on walking.
5. Prepare yourself
Look dressed for the part. Wear comfortable shoes. Bring business cards. Ensure you know how to articulate the needs/wants of your business to the exhibitors and other people who could potentially help your business.
6. Take advantage of different educational channels
The show floor is not the only place to learn. The popular live demonstration events are returning this year and conference sessions have expanded.
“Our conferences are designed to help you improve your work and grow your business,” says Galloway. “This year, we look forward to seeing Tom Rebar, author of “The Contractor Fight” lead a conference on Leadership Principles to Grow Your Brand & Profits, lessons on Keeping your Concrete Structure Watertight from Sika Canada Inc., Concrete Ontario’s Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) Workshop and BASF’s Concrete in Today’s Construction Environment.”
7. Network, network, network
This year, CCE has expanded the number of its networking events. New this year are breakfasts on each day of the show that are conveniently hosted each day on-site at the International Centre prior to show opening. Beginning at 5pm on the first day of the show is the Sunbelt Rentals Concrete Mixer & Networking event that will provide contests and other fun events. On the night before the show, CCE welcomes people to the enjoy free hors d’oeuvres, drinks and entertainment at the show’s Welcome Reception at the Rooftop Garden Ballroom at the Holiday Inn.
8. Business card etiquette
Ask people for their business card, but don’t ask for a business card as a means of ending a conversation. Follow up with people whose business cards you accepted or else your networking efforts at the show will be fruitless.