Trade Show Networking with Brand Representatives

Just back from the B2B International Jewellery exhibition at Bharat Mandapam, and guess what? My network is sparkling brighter than ever!😉 For those eyeing similar events, here's how to make the most of these golden opportunities: 1. Prepare Your Pitch: Craft a concise, memorable introduction. Mine? "I help jewellery brands shine online." Simple, yet it sparked countless conversations. 2. Set Clear Goals: I aimed to meet 5 industry leaders daily. Having a target pushed me out of my comfort zone and into rewarding dialogues. 3. Listen More, Speak Less: The most valuable insights came when I let others share their stories. Active listening opened doors to unexpected opportunities. 4. Follow Up Fast: I sent personalized connection requests on LinkedIn each evening, mentioning our conversation. Strike while the iron's hot! 5. Embrace Serendipity: Some of my best connections happened in coffee queues and between sessions. Stay open to unexpected encounters. 6. Offer Value First: Instead of just taking cards, I shared social media tips. Giving before asking built instant rapport. 7. Stay Curious: I asked about challenges in the industry. These discussions led to potential collaborations and deepened my market understanding. 8. Key Takeaway: Networking isn't about collecting contacts; it's about cultivating relationships. Each conversation is a seed that, with care, can grow into something valuable. Hope these insights will help you while attending such events :) What's your top networking strategy? Share your wisdom and let's learn from each other! #Networkingtips #ProfessionalGrowth #B2BConnections #tips #networking #learning #event #tips

If you’re a service provider, vendor, or supplier in the food industry gearing up for the next tradeshow, do yourself (and the brands you admire) a favour: focus on your GIVING strategy more than your TAKING strategy. When you prospect at a show, you risk becoming a distraction—a taker—instead of a giver. Yes, your solution might be game-changing for food brands, but remember: they’re not exhibiting to meet you… they’re hustling to attract retail buyers and drive future sales. The best way to cultivate new relationships and nurture existing ones is to extend a helping hand. A few of the rules I live by when “working” these events are: Be Seen – Champion brands that align with my values (not just the ones I want to work with) when networking and on social. Be Curious – Observe, listen, and dig up my own insights about ingredients, trends, and market conditions. Be Helpful – Support exhibitors in practical ways, like doing a garbage run or breaking down boxes—whatever makes their day easier. But the single most important “tactic” is what I call the “giant inflatable gorilla” strategy. Help them sell! Gather some co-workers or industry friends and cruise the show together. When you’re huddle around a booth, you’re bringing a crowd, some much-needed energy and enthusiasm, and retailer buyers are attracted to exhibitors that have mojo. Energy creates action. Pull buyers in. Seriously, recruit for them. Don’t square off and dominate their attention. Stand to the side, one shoulder turned toward the aisle, and when you see a buyer badge walking towards you, step out and ask them, “Have you tried this? Do you guys have these in your stores? Have you met Tak Yamada and Mayumi Bae from The Plant Based Workshop?” Be the speed bump that interrupts that tired buyer’s saunter that so often means they cruise on by a booth. At every show, my mission is simple: bring value to the brands I believe in. #CPGmarketing #foodindustry #tradeshowtips #brandsupport #retailsuccess #foodbusiness #CHFAnow #ExpoWest

Field marketing, especially trade shows, can be a massive line item in your budget. For many B2B marketers, it’s more than 40%. In supply chain, these include Manifest, Modex, NPTC, FreightWaves, ATA, TCA, NTTC and many others. During the pandemic, some thought in-person events might never return. Virtual events were cheaper, easier, and accessible from anywhere. But the opposite happened. People wanted in-person interaction. Your customers started showing up to events again. The big question is: Are these events actually generating new revenue for you? If all you’re doing is attending and sitting behind a booth, the answer is probably no. Waiting for people to approach you is like standing against the wall at a high school dance. The fact is, most attendees are not in the market for what you sell today. It starts with a relationship. And for that, it takes a more proactive approach. Here are four ways to boost your event ROI: 1. Work the Pre-Registrant List Get the list. Scrub it. Segment it. Identify prospects your sales team should meet, companies worth building relationships with, and suppliers who could be strategic partners. 2. Reach Out Before the Event Have sales reps book meetings ahead of time. Run an email campaign targeting attendees. Connect on LinkedIn in advance. Don’t wait for serendipity—create opportunities. 3. Get Out from Behind the Booth Staff the show with people who are outgoing and personable. Attend every networking event. Set specific goals for how many new connections you’ll make during breakfast, lunch, and evening events. 4. Follow Up Quickly Speed matters. Connect with everyone you talked to on LinkedIn. Send a follow-up email within 24 hours (have drafts ready before the event). Pro Tip: You can even reach out to those you did not meet. Icebreaker - "It was great to meet you at the show." Trade shows are a big investment. Make sure your team is doing more than just showing up. With the right strategy, they can become revenue drivers, not just line items. #eventmarketing #b2bmarketingstrategy #tradeshows

There’s event follow-up, and then there’s creative event follow-up. Trade show season kicks off in March, and while your booth might be packed, the real work starts after the event. A generic “Thanks for stopping by! Want to book a demo?” email won’t cut it anymore—attendees are drowning in those. The best follow-up is personal, unexpected, and valuable. Here are five ways to stand out: - QR code video – Skip the dry sales email. Send a quick, personalized video with a recap of your booth chat and tailored next steps. - Mail the swag they missed – Did you run out of a popular giveaway? Send it post-event with a note: “We saw how much love this got at the booth and saved one just for you!” - Connect them with a customer over coffee – Intro them to a customer in their city, include a coffee gift card, and let them chat. Real connections = real impact. - Invite them to a field event – The trade show is over, but the conversation doesn’t have to be. A follow-up invite to a dinner, happy hour, or local event keeps things warm. - Send something useful, not just a pitch – A case study, webinar, or report based on what they engaged with at the booth feels like value, not a sales push. The best follow-up doesn’t feel like follow-up—it feels like a continuation of the event experience. What ideas am I missing?