Trade show etiquette?

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Permalink Reply by Mark Haas on October 31, 2009 at 2:40pm

You will find the exibit floor a SOCIAL EVENT ! Often it is the only time that competitive manufacuters see friends because of the diffenent territories/travel .

IF you are manning your booth -don't expect to get hours and hours to wander the floor and find people! It's more just finding time to get to the bathroom and EAT when you need to.

As for aproaching people at booths, as long as each are not busy , have a client that needs attention or aren't " USING TO GET A COMPITIVVE ADVANTAGE " salespeople are quite friendly !

Mark

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Permalink Reply by Dental Sales Rep on November 1, 2009 at 6:02pm

Mark is right. Most of us sales folk are friendly people. However the Greater NY is a busy meeting. Sunday and Wednesday can be very busy. You should have plenty of time to network on Monday and Tuesday. Bring your business cards, ideas and planner.

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Permalink Reply by Benjamin Oliver on November 1, 2009 at 11:16pm

Hey David,

I had the great opportunity to work my first comvention at the CDA in San Fransisco, and had the exact same question. To Marks point, I was pleasantly suprised to find out that even my competitive manufacturer reps were very friendly. I'm learning each and everyday why this is such a great and unique industry! On the same token, don't create a bad reputation or burn bridges because this IS such a tight industry.

I'm sure you will do great! Remember to have fun and take it all in!!

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Permalink Reply by Mike Maturen on November 6, 2009 at 4:03pm

One very important point (as this has happened to me!): Do not walk up to a booth where you see one of your customers or one of your dealer reps and take them away from the booth. This is incredibly unprofessional. Just a few years ago, I was at a booth with a doctor, giving a presentation, when a dealer rep walked up and began engaging the doctor in conversation. Before I knew it, off they went...before I had a chance to close the sale.

All the folks here are correct...this is an incredibly friendly industry, and these shows can be a great chance to meet up with folks that you rarely see...but the basic rules of etiquette DO apply!

Basic rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

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Permalink Reply by Ian Pryor on November 11, 2009 at 6:39pm

What a great trade show to be your first in this industry! It will be a mad house of dental reps, students, and all other professionals. I agree with everything posted above so I will not repost the same information. I may recommend checking out the vendors that will be there before hand and making a list of the ones you really want to meet. That way when you do have time to sneak away for a minute, you'll remember exactly who you will want to meet. I like the idea of your company, I'll be sure to visit your booth to check out your product for my customers.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Mahnken on November 25, 2009 at 11:01am

David,

It's a small industry and everyone knows one another thus it's not as combative or as competitive as one might think.
What company do you represent? What are your goals for this years GNY? I've been attending the meeting since 1995 and I'd be happy to share a few marketing & sales tips. If you can get a hold of the Nov 2008 Proofs you can read the article I wrote about trade shows - a shifting paradigm. You can Google it too. You can find my profile on Dental Sales Pro and most of the publications know of me. Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions. In regard to great restaurants - go to Restaurant Row on 46th - Joe Allens and DaRosina are personal favs.
Scott Mahnken

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