Exhibitor life …

April 4th, 2006

A slow day. Fewer buyers around, but lots of students, all from the same college and all blissfully unaware of stand etiquette.

As I had time on my hands, I got to thinking about the annoying things that happen, as well as the nice, from an exhibitor’s point of view.

Annoying …
Other exhibitors who stand in front of your stand or otherwise block your stand. Either because they are speaking on the phone, want to chat with your neighbour or have just not planned their stand well enough to enable them to stand or sit near it without blocking it themselves.

Students who ask loads of questions, thinking they are at a careers fair.

Loud people – it’s a noisy environment anyway, but having to shout at prospective buyers because the guy behind is howling with laughter is not good.

Buyers who come out with no cards or refuse to give you any details. I always hope these are buyers from a major retail store. Most do come prepared and are happy for you to follow up, as not everyone orders when they see you.

Sales men who want to flog you website design, insurance or outsourcing services. Not a good time to catch me, as I’m focussed on selling, not buying.

Break down – chaotic usually. My car is never as neatly packed going as arriving. And usually I can’t get the car very near to my stand, so by the time I have carried everything I feel like I have done a weight training session at the gym.

Nice …
Time to sit and think, exchange idea and theories with other people in the quiet moments. Many a business strategy/idea is born in these moments.

You know your co-exhibitors life story, and have put the world’s to right.

Other exhibitors admiring your work and enthusing.

People watching – some fantastic outfits and handbags come to these shows.

Loads of stuff you’d buy, if only you had remembered to bring cash with you. Most exhibitors will sell to other exhibitors at the end of the final day.

Entry Filed under: General