There were many things I noticed while attending Microsoft Convergence, but you can apply these key takeways to any trade show. They are sure to improve your convention experience and get the attention you know you want!

Don’t let your booth staff talk a visitor’s ear off

If anything they should LISTEN. This is the number one reason attendees don’t stop by in the first place. They don’t want a 10 minute sales pitch for something they might not want or need. It’s great to cast a wide net, but you need to train your team to target valuable prospects more selectively by asking the right questions. It might sound like a given but, actually pay attention to the comments from people who stop by your booth. James Brawner, Director of Marketing at Journyx, emphasized this point in his interview at the show.

Pace yourself

Be sure to let your booth staff take a break when necessary. You can have the best attention-grabbing displays and games, but if the staff is moping and tired, prospects will have a bad impression of your booth. If you want them to be happy go-getters then periodic breaks are the best way to keep that energy up!

Attend the functions afterward

I know, I just said pace yourself. But here’s why I highly recommend going to the after parties: deals happen there just as fast as on the booth floor. It's another opportunity to get in front of attendees or future partners, and that means more bang for your buck. So have fun with it! Well, not TOO much fun, of course –  be professional!

Do you have any other ideas for getting the most out of conventions? Let us know some of your best practices!