
27 Jan How to Maintain Connections After a Trade Show
You know how valuable networking at trade shows is when you’re building connections with key people in your industry or meeting potential new customers. The Tempe area has a lot of wonderful opportunities for trade shows, whatever industry you work in. From culinary and wedding expos to technology and automotive trade shows, professionals of all kinds attend trade shows. They’re a great place to learn industry news, share information, meet other professionals in your field, and market your brand.
How Do I Make Authentic Connections?
Before you start making new connections, be sure you’re showing up in a way that encourages a quality relationship. Set your sales mindset aside for just a moment. Initially, you’re not going to focus on promoting your business. First, you need to learn how to market yourself. The simplest way to think about this is to approach the event like you’re going to make friends.
Treat networking conversations as if you’re chatting with a friend—don’t jump into talking about your business straight away. Ask questions, listen actively, and share some personal details about yourself. People are more likely to connect with you if they sense a level of vulnerability and honesty. Pepper in relevant details only when business topics come up naturally.
Pro Tips for Networking at a Trade Show
- Start conversations anywhere you end up. Waiting in line and notice someone’s outfit? Compliment them! Or talk to your seat buddies if you’re in a conference room waiting for a speaker or presentation to begin.
- Find some common ground—whether it’s hobbies, outdoors, recent events, or even liking the same brand of shoes. For example, if you notice someone walking by your booth who is sporting the logo of a team you support, say, “Hey! Go Cardinals! What did you think of their last game?”
- Ask about pain points, but don’t offer solutions just yet! Offer a business card and ask if you can follow up after the trade show with a meeting, a phone call, or over a cup of coffee.
Five Ways to Make Quality Connections
- Get there early and be willing to meet up afterward. Schedule your morning coffee time with people you’re interested in getting to know, or ask to meet up for an appetizer or cocktail after events are done for the day.
- Tailor your personal—and professional—approach to the individual. Storytelling is more engaging than listing facts from your brochure. Even if the facts are relevant and helpful to solving a customer’s pain points, they aren’t the best way to hold someone’s interest.
- After the event, reach out to those you’ve met and be sure to follow through on any promises you made. But please don’t batch email everyone. Take the time to look people up in the way you feel they’re most likely to engage—on LinkedIn or Instagram, with a phone call, or by mailing a handwritten card.
- Respond with valuable comments. Think about the notes you took from your conversations. In what ways did each person stand out? How could you help them? Could you provide insights on better ways to build a rotating menu based on seasonal produce? Can you connect a new business owner with a vendor you know and trust? Does your newsletter offer ideas on how to build a strong content hub?
- Keep up the camaraderie! Hold off on your pitch until you’ve been in touch for a while, or until they ask you for more information. Not every person will turn into a customer or a sale. However, they could become an industry friend, end up connecting you with helpful contacts, or collaborate with you on a project.
Professional Trade Show Printing in Tempe, AZ
Combining a friendly approach with quality materials and a solid follow-up strategy can turn a five minute encounter into a lasting connection. Once you’ve lined up opportunities, secured your necessary marketing materials, and planned a good pitch, you’re ready to get out there and start networking.
Are you looking for high-quality accessories that will help your booth stand out? Do you need business cards that will make your contacts want to follow up? At Mousegraphics, we offer trade show displays, banners, lighting, podium cases, brochures, business cards, and much more. Call us to request a quote today!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (1-27-2025). Photo by Bebe B from Pixabay.