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I had an amazing time at The PPAI Expo. I'm not sure why, but there seemed to be more hope for a better year. The feeling was definitely more upbeat than the last couple of years. Most of the folks I network with thought it was a great show and for me personally, it was an awesome week.
Based on comments from various forums I am involved in, some folks who didn't attend this show regret not coming and will be there next year. It's just a great industry event.
The FreePromoTips Video Team succeeded in streaming live education sessions, which was an industry first and it was very well received. We thank Fields Manufacturing for sponsoring the sessions and PPAI Professional Development for facilitating it all. Watch for these videos to be available for on demand viewing. They will qualify for earning CAS/MAS credits.
In this issue we touch on all things trade show. A personal pet peeve of mine is trade show etiquette. I could share many stories, but here are just a few thoughts. Think before you act. Last week I was sitting a side table in a booth with a supplier in a deep discussion. A distributor interrupts our conversation because he felt what he had to talk about was more important than what we were talking about. Before interrupting a conversation consider if this is the right thing to do.
Distributors...respect suppliers. Our supplier partners make a significant investment to be at a trade show. Please consider valuing their time...not monopolizing it. They need to see as many people as they can. Be aware of how much of their time you are taking. Deeper conversations can be had later.
Service providers...understand that suppliers come to shows to sell their products, not to be sold. Make a connection if it's appropriate, but don't take their valuable time to pitch your services.
Look around you. If you are carrying bags, pulling a cart or in a cart, I encourage you to simply be aware of your surroundings. I've been hit by bags and run over by carts which is easy to have happen on a busy show floor like The PPAI Expo.
Many of you will be attending the ASI Orlando Show next week and other shows that will follow throughout the year. My encouragement is to think about what you are doing at industry events. Take full advantage of all the benefits that attending a trade show offers!
In this issue we feature a piece, contributed by Glenda Stormes-Bice from Bankers Advertising that is a perfect follow up to The PPAI Expo along with a great Expo video produced by Dan Anderson from HALO Branded Solutions.
Make it a great day!
Jeff Solomon, MAS
FreePromoTips.com
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