Oh no, I've got to do a tradeshow...

Don't let that be your refrain! Tradeshows can be an amazing way to meet potential clients or suppliers. You can reinforce existing relationships through networking at a show and really build brand awareness.

I am still a tradeshow 'rookie', but some of the things that I have learned over the years are:

• No food or drinks visable in the booth
• Don't sit down and bury your nose in a book, laptop, blackberry, knitting - get up, smile and show interest in the people that are there
• Have something fun for people to look at that you can chat about - do you have a game that they can participate in and win something instantly
• Have a great doorprize and let people know about it
• Be visable from a few booths down - draw people towards you

As I said, I'm a rookie, but I am lucky to have a colleague who is an expert in this area and she is coming to Victoria in August to offer her knowledge in a half day workshop. There are more details on my website - here is the link to check it out http://www.24carrotlearning.com/eventdetails.cfm?event=2367