Plan ahead <\/strong><\/p>\n One of the most important things to do before any trade show is to\u00a0plan well in advance. Book flights before the costs go up, secure room blocks before the hotels sell out, and make sure key members of your team who need to attend will be available.<\/p>\n Define your goals<\/strong><\/p>\n Gather a core group of strategic stakeholders and discuss what you aim to achieve at the show. Some goals to consider are:<\/p>\n Typically, various teams from a company will attend trade shows, including marketing, sales, and the executive team. Make sure everyone is on the same page and clear on what their specific goals are, so they make the most of the show and don\u2019t double up on each other\u2019s tasks. Communication is key!<\/p>\n Include meetings and booth hours on everyone\u2019s calendars (and in the correct time zone!). Create a logistics document to ensure nothing is left out and expectations are communicated. The document should include phone numbers for everyone on your team in case you need to contact them while on site. Print out a few copies and make it easily accessible on a mobile device for travel.<\/p>\n Invite everyone who will be attending the show to participate in a \u201cprep call\u201d the week before JCK. Prepare a slide deck and include housekeeping items such as the hotel, venue, booth hours, dress code, etc., as well as an overview of scheduled booth meetings and networking events.<\/p>\n Pre-book Appointments <\/strong><\/p>\n Scheduling meetings in advance isn\u2019t at the top of most people\u2019s \u2018favorite things\u2019 list, but if you don\u2019t pre-book appointments well in advance, you may miss out on meeting people you really need to see. JCK can be hectic and attendees\u2019 days become very busy very quickly.<\/p>\n Know what you\u2019re talking about<\/strong><\/p>\n A trade show is an opportunity for you to make a good impression. Learn your product or service, and your company, inside out and be prepared to answer any questions that come your way.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also important to make sure that all representatives of your company convey the same consistent message of your brand.<\/p>\n Be present <\/strong><\/p>\n Stay off your phones and devices during the show. If your head is down, you can\u2019t smile and make eye contact!<\/p>\n Don\u2019t ask someone how they are; ask them whether they have ever heard about your company before. Do they know what you do? If they say yes, then let them know what is new with your company.<\/p>\n Take breaks<\/strong><\/p>\n Take breaks when you can. JCK is busy, and you need to stay on your feet and be positive. Bring power bars and bottles of water to stay energized and hydrated!<\/p>\n Make your booth stand out<\/strong><\/p>\n Make sure your booth grabs the attention of passers-by. If your booth supports it, enhance your presentation with videos, slideshows, and PowerPoint presentations that will draw people in and give your staff the opportunity to connect with them.<\/p>\n Mask up<\/strong><\/p>\n Have your masks ready. If a customer walks up to your booth with a mask on, then put yours on. You have no idea why they are wearing one. Maybe they were exposed, maybe they are immune compromised. Just give them respect. These are difficult times.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t overshare<\/strong> Be active on social media<\/strong><\/p>\n Post photos from the event to your social channels before, during and after the event. Invite attendees to stop by your booth. Make sure to include your booth number and event hashtag so attendees can easily find you.<\/p>\n Debrief with your team<\/strong><\/p>\n Take the time to meet with your team soon after JCK, when all is fresh in their minds. Make sure to discuss everyone\u2019s experiences and insights gleaned from the show. Were goals achieved? What worked well? What can be improved for next year?<\/p>\n Always follow up<\/strong><\/p>\n This is hands-down one of the most important things you should do. After spending so much time, effort and money finding potential customers and establishing connections, don\u2019t let them disappear into a black hole. Give them a couple of days to return to business after the show and then make sure to follow up with them by phone or email within a week while you are fresh in their memory.<\/p>\n At Rapaport Trade’s Booth #55076 L-1 you can cash in JCK Dollars for awesome diamond goodies. Stop by our booth to learn more about Rapaport Trade BuyNow and get your first shipment free.<\/p>\n\n
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\n<\/u>Prepare your team<\/strong><\/p>\nDURING THE SHOW<\/strong><\/h1>\n
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\nOversharing with attendee\u2019s at JCK or rambling on without a clear purpose is a common pitfall. Too much information can be overwhelming for retailers that are visiting a ton of booths and listening to tons of stories. You want to be brief and ask relevant questions.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/rapaport.com\/trade\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/jeremy-bezanger-oxrk8fg2aig-unsplash.webp\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\nAFTER THE SHOW<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Visit the Rapaport Trade team at JCK\u00a0<\/strong><\/h1>\n
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