Successful Meetings - April 2008 - (Page 40)

Planner’s Workshop > On Site How To Combat Trade Show Stress By Julia O’Connor We know the drill because we are in the business. We know that trade shows are stressors personified, and we know how to take care of them. Why? Because it’s our job. It’s what we do, day in and day out. We know how to roll with the punches. We are fast on our feet (and on the phone) when we run into problems, emergencies, personality conflicts, and those thousand nicks that come with the job. But what about the newbies or the folks who are not involved with trade shows on a regular basis? Do they have any idea how stressful a show can be? Here are five tips to keep your staff on track. PLAN FOR AN 18-HOUR DAY From arising at 6 A.M. to hitting the pillow at midnight, the exhibitor staff must be sharp. This means . . . watch the booze, get solid sleep, keep breath mints handy, and watch the diet—no onions, garlic, and smelly, spicy things. And don’t come to the show tired because you tried to tie up all the loose ends before you left the office. Plan your time before and during the show. Sleep on the plane going home. Not only where you are walking so you don’t trip, but what you put on your feet. Change shoes at least twice a day. A difference in heel height and toe enclosures helps. Make sure the shoes are neat, clean, and comfy. We may be comfortable in casual clothes, but there are two very important caveats: (1) If wearing casual clothes, they must be neat and clean every hour of the day; (2) make certain your dress is appropriate for each event. A big stressor is not being in the right place at the right time. Get the directions and schedule beforehand and figure the times—the larger the event, the more traffic congestion, the greater the chance you will be stuck in a traffic jam. And the larger the show, the more people congestion you will run into with registration or just getting to your spot on the floor. I advise you to schedule two hours on, 15 to 30 minutes off, for food and bathroom breaks. Have a flexible schedule for all staffers, but make sure everyone takes time off the floor to refresh. Trade shows are hard work. The aisle-walkers want to see friendly, competent people in your space. Exhibitors must be open and ready for business. Julia O’Connor is a speaker, author, consultant, and owner of Trade Show Training Inc., based in Richmond, VA. To contact her, visit www.TradeShowTraining.com or e-mail julia@TradeShow Training.com. WATCH YOUR FEET PLAN ON CLOTHING KNOW THE SCHEDULE TAKE A BREAK ON THE FLOOR 40 mimegasite.com APRIL 2008 SUCCESSFUL MEETINGS http://www.TradeShowTraining.com http://mimegasite.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Successful Meetings - April 2008

Successful Meetings - April 2008 Contents Editor's Note Industry Trends Suppliers Events On the Record Suppliers Planner's Spotlight Technology Talk Personal Success Websites of the Month Food & Beverage On Site Professional Development On Site Pre-Event Professional Development Miforum Q&A Beyond the Flames Reservation for—21,000 Casino Riches Entertainment Jackpot Who Needs a Passport? The International Swing Around the World in 18 Holes Places & Spaces Denver Orlando Missouri Puerto Rico Show Special: Washington DC / Frankfurt, Germany Gurus

Successful Meetings - April 2008

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