You're at a trade show and want to connect with experienced people. How do you start the conversation?

If you're familiar with the industry the convention focuses on, you likely have knowledge about the topics being discussed. Before approaching specific individuals, it's helpful to learn about them, finding common ground to initiate conversation. This shared interest can facilitate a meaningful exchange.

The more experienced they are, the more likely they are to have an article, podcast, or speaking session online. A simple Google search can do wonders to provide you with all kinds of information so that you show you've done your homework. Message them before the show and give them a heads up you'd like to connect so you're not waiting in the background for 20 minutes hoping they finish their conversations.

When engaging with experienced individuals at a trade show, respect their time and expertise. Begin with a friendly introduction, showing genuine interest in their work. Use open-ended questions to encourage them to share insights. Briefly explain your goals to tailor the conversation. Offer value in return, such as sharing insights or connecting them with others. Be mindful of their time constraints, offering to continue the conversation later. Focus on building a meaningful connection with genuine curiosity and respect.

I would always start with a friendly greeting and a smile to introduce myself. Then ask questions about them personally and professionally. The real bonding comes from the personal level and makes it easier to consider doing business together in the future.

If the person is truly experienced, they will recognise the fact that others are less so and that we all learn from each other. Trade shows are not a time for selling to an exhibitor on their stand unless it is really quiet so avoid that at all costs. Look for people after speaking sessions, in lunch queues and multiple other spaces and places. Remember that you are at the top rung of your experience and not the bottom rung of someone else's. Have faith that you can start a conversation by simply saying hello and asking if the person has a few moments to spare as you are aware of who they are and what they do. A conversation between people that do not know each other is a value exchange. Be valuable and it will shine through.

In my experience be prepared, confident. Know your audience and your own product prior to the show. Be engaging with the attendees and be prepared to actively listen and interact with the participants.

In addition to being prepared and confident, be honest. If you are selling something, ask questions to see if there is a pain point your solution can solve. If you are looking to hire, be sure to ask if they have an interest in new opportunities. If you are looking to learn from them - be sure to explain your experience level and what you are looking to accomplish.

At a tradeshow, engage attendees by inviting them to share their "Lamplight" - that one thing that brightens their life, much like your Chair of Joy does for you. Approach with a smile, "In a sea of innovation, we all have a personal 'Lamplight.' Mine's the Chair of Joy, guiding me to moments of clarity and happiness. What's yours?" This personal angle intrigues, making them reflect on their joy sources, fostering a deeper connection. It shifts the spotlight to their stories, creating a shared space for meaningful exchange. This approach not only distinguishes you but also creates memorable interactions, rooted in genuine curiosity and mutual discovery, paving the way for lasting connections amidst the bustling tradeshow environment.

If someone needs help with this, maybe they shouldn’t be the ones going to the conference. To many companies send people to conferences because of their title rather than the natural ability to communicate, connect, and represent their company properly.

You want to stand out at a trade show where there can be dozens or even hundreds of other vendors vying for the attention of the attendees. Keep your booth clean, always dress professionally, wear the name badge so people can see who you are and be ready with lots of open-ended questions. And never eat inside your booth, which makes attendees feel like your breakfast or lunch are more important than they are. Don't be rude by standing in the middle of the aisle and stopping people, but be aware, say hello to those passing by and be ready with your elevator pitch to engage with attendees.

I also love probing questions like - "What makes you say that?". It gets people to elaborate! If someone says "Why is that so expensive" You can ask "What makes you say that?".

Trade Shows are hard to have in-depth conversations as they always have so much going on. Find a way to become memorable. Ask direct, specific questions, find something relatable to the person you want to talk and then ask for a follow up coffee post show, "so we can chat further". Then when emailing to ask for the time, remind them of the conversation. BE SPECIFIC on-site for a memorable BRIEF conversation and then equally specific in the email ask later.

Ask open ended question .. 1.like current challenges, need and pain point 2.Where are the projects coming 3.Listen actively 4.in excel sheet note down name of interested customers so that we can touch base them post the event

#Improvisation - learn the techniques that increase one’s ability to listen; say “tell me more”; use “yes, and…” to move a conversation forward. The skills help in any interaction.

Trade shows are always an amazing opportunity for you to connect with your customers and leads! Take the time to chat with them properly. Besides having your speech ready to go, make sure you are also open to listening to their pain points. This way, you can provide the right solution for something they are actually seeking help with!

Sharing case studies and projects you've been part of shows you are a problem solver, not an order taker. Remember, this isn't about telling people how wonderful you are, but showing them you and your company can help them achieve their goals. Ask open-ended questions then listen, listen, listen. The conversation should be 80% the attendee talking and 20% you asking questions and offering solutions. Be respectful of people's time and let them know you're happy to follow-up with more information, samples, an in-person meeting or Zoom call. It's rare to close deals at a trade show, but it can be where you start the conversation and generate the interest that leads to closing a sale.

I am a trained trade show magician. I am also a professional pickpocket. I know exactly how to draw in a crowd to stop at your stand. I can keep them interested. I can make them remember your company name. I can get valuable leads. My secret? Let’s say it’s magic! I use my proven formula. It has custom tricks of sleight of hand. I use my successful STOP, ENGAGE and QUALIFY method. It engages visitors with your company. It keeps your stand busy with more excited clients than ever. It’s simple. I will pull in the crowd with my punchy 90-second close up shows. I made them specially for exhibitions. Then, I’ll pass those engaged, qualified crowds to your sales team. They can put on a powerful expo performance.

Le partage est important mais il ne faut pas oublier que certains visiteurs viennent aussi à la pêche aux infos, attention à ne pas révéler d'informations sensibles.

At a trade show opening day as a Booth Space only contractor i would check the custom booths not finished or incomplete that’s my lead.

Sharing is caring. By sharing your own expertise and interest in topics, new connections will find value in your contribution to the conversation. It might also expose a gap in your own knowledge leading to opportunities for everyone to learn something.

I like the follow up that is not asking for anything! And which eventually provides value to the person you are connecting with.

At trade shows, making connections is more than just swapping cards—it's about building genuine relationships. Start by showing interest in their work, asking insightful questions, and actively listening. After the show, follow up on LinkedIn, keeping the conversation going with relevant insights or questions. Consistency is key—I nurture connections like genuine friendships, whether sharing industry news or checking in periodically. It's about building meaningful, long-lasting relationships that benefit both parties.

The elephant in the room is that Trade Shows can be so awkward. Every Trade Show I have ever attended I make it a point to make eye contact and stop in to each booth and ask one thing about themselves and one thing about the company they are representing. I believe the best connections are made when you are learning about others and not trying to sell or buy something. Connecting on a personal level, smiling, opening a simple and easy conversation where you learn about the person before the product will never leave you disappointed. Most experienced people with passion will willingly share theirs with you. Approachability while being humble will open doors.

The real benefit of tradeshows happen when you can build relationships after the conference. Following up after the conference by addressing valuable insights and solutions based on conversations you had during the tradeshow is the best way to gain positive ROI from the event.

Typically, I tackle Trade Shows the same way I do all of my event related interactions, with a smile and an intro! I let them know who I am, what I do, ask about their favorite booth/element at the show and if I see the potential for a future collaboration- trade e-mails or LinkedIn's and I always follow-up! Seriously, don't let the show end without sending them a note, remind them who you are, ask them a question (that requires a reply), and then end with a known anecdote about these types shows (ex; aching feet, caffeine consumption, how time flies, etc.). For me it's all about relationships and pressing for a follow-up appointment or asking for business in a "cold call" e-mail is not in my nature. Being kind and building trust is!

Homework! Know who is or may be attending that you want to connect with. Know about their company, their role and their needs. Know your industry and your product. Try to find something in common business-wise. But, if there isn’t anything - be honest. “I’m surprised our paths have not crossed until now.” Nothing is worse than a “poser”. Be prepared and genuine at all times. Know buyers, but, never discount anyone. That person could be a key buyer next time you see them. In all things- treat people the way you want to be treated.

Be sincere. If you're asking questions of these experienced people, make them thoughtful and interesting questions. Asking pertinent questions that others will also want answered, helps make you memorable and allows for additional opportunity to network. As you make notes about the contacts you meet, be sure to also note something memorable about your interaction (we met at the XX product demo) or the conversation (they mentioned they went to UCLA), etc. That way if/when you encounter them again, you can mention that interaction.

Une chose très importante est le reporting que vous faites à votre organisation après l'évènement. Un tableau genre nom de l'entreprise, resumé de la discussion, le suivi que vous avez fait, la date du prochain contact est bien. C'est bien aussi d'essayer de dégager des tendances. Si vous avez rencontré 30 entreprises et 10 vous ont donné le même objection, c'est important de remonter cette information.

Understanding the importance of reciprocity and empathy in the context of tradeshows is crucial for building successful business relationships. Actively engaging with attendees, listening to their needs, and being willing to assist where necessary can lead to meaningful connections and fruitful collaborations.

Understanding the importance of reciprocity and empathy in the context of tradeshows is crucial for building successful business relationships. Actively engaging with attendees, listening to their needs, and being willing to assist where necessary can lead to meaningful connections and fruitful collaborations.

Eye contact and warm "Hello!" go a really long way. You'd be surprised at the amount of times I've seen vendors on their phone or looking too busy to interact with customers. Sometimes sharing a fun fact or interesting question really helps break the ice.

Si on va sur un salon en tant que commercial et on prospecte parmi les exposants, il faut se rappeler que les exposants ne sont pas là pour vous, ils souhaitent surtout rencontrer leurs clients et prospects. Du coup, il faut être respectueux de leur temps. L'étape 3 ci-dessus conseille de poser des questions ouvertes pour maintenir la conversation-- c'est bien, mais pas s'il y a une foule de gens qui attend pour discuter avec votre interlocuteur. Dans ce cas, il vaut mieux abréger. Demandez sa carte de visite et dites que vous lui contacterez après le salon, car vous savez qu'il est débordé pendant le salon. Il vous sera reconnaissant.

If you have an outgoing personality and common ground with people you want to connect than no guidance is required. If you’re afraid to make the first move connecting will be impossible

Personally, most trade shows I have been at didn’t always give the opportunity to scout out certain people to talk to easily unless you have something in your booth/display to draw those people in. With that said, I’ve found much more quality conversations come with being prepared with something unique at the trade show (ie. Hosting a “happy hour” at your booth- doesn’t have to be alcohol related but could; memorable and useful giveaways; be creative). Lastly, make sure you have a good method to collect information from visitors and follow up within a week after the show or sooner.

Se for oferecer algum serviço ou produto que tenha como público alvo os expositores da feira, cuidado no approach, a maioria deles investiu muito para estar lá e estão com o foco em atender os Clientes, claro que fornecedores sempre serão bem vindos mas não seja insistente, ouça mais do que fala demonstrando interesse no negócio e quando perceber a oportunidade comunique seu projeto ou sua solução.