Traveling to trade shows is an important aspect of any retail buyer’s job. To ensure you make the most of your trade show travels this fall, veteran trade show attendee Tommy Brown, a retail manager with the Saint Louis Zoo with more than 30 years&
Sept. 8, 2025
- First register for the show and find out if there are any travel discounts through the show, as these can save you time and money. Also, find out if any shuttle service is provided, as this is offered at some larger shows.
- Go buy a notebook or an electronic device you can use at the show. Remember Wi-Fi is not always the best at the shows, so have a backup. Carry your sales data with you to the show and use the notebook/electronic device for business cards and product notes.
- It is recommended to have a tote, and comfortable shoes for the shows, so go purchase these items as well before your trip.
- Do research on the show’s website about what exhibitors will be at the show you are attending.
- Make a list of what exhibitors you are interested in visiting, then create a list of vendors you want to visit on the same aisle. This strategy can save you a lot of time.
- Find out what free educational lectures or demonstrations are at the show. Take advantage of these free offers, as they can provide a lot of good insights within the retail industry.
- Set appointments with exhibitors which you may want a more in-depth vendor visit.
- Give yourself time! Most large shows take days to work. Do not think you can do a large show in one day. Budget your time and money to do the shows in multiple days.
- Be aware of giveaways at the shows. These usually happen early in the mornings on the first day of the show.
- Sometimes shows offer treats, food, coffee, and other amenities. These offers can help your travel budget. Always take advantage of these offers as they can really add up.
- If you are a member of any retail organization, reach out to them and see if they will be hosting any activities at the show.
- Once you arrive at the show, it is recommended to do an overview in the first half of the day. Quickly walk the aisles and make note of exhibitors that you may want to talk to sometime during the show.
- Have courtesy of your fellow buyers in an exhibitor’s booth. Do not interrupt meetings. If a vendor is busy, just leave your card at the booth with a note, or quickly say, “I will be back later.” Manners are very important in the industry, so please use them.
- Know where “Cash and Carry” is located at the show. This is an area you can purchase from directly at a show. The main floor is to source products for your company, and not a direct buying area. If you have an interest in purchasing products from an exhibitor’s booth, please ask them on the last day of the show, as they need booth samples to sell their goods.
- Ask for show specials and negotiate discounts from the exhibitors. Just about everything can be negotiated, if it is fair on both sides of the table.
- Ensure an exhibitor’s product is in line with your company’s mission/vision; ask questions about the origins of products, ethical treatment of people or anything else your company may value.
- Ask every exhibitor what their top-selling product is for the season, as this can give you great insight into retail trends.
- Some buyers place orders at the show, some do not. This is really your preference, but try not to lose out on any show specials.
- At the end of each show day, organize your orders, go through your notes, ensure you have all new company contacts. Doing these things at the end of each day will help you stay organized.
- Don’t forget to have fun at the shows! This includes networking with colleagues and new peers you meet. Partake in after-show events or have dinner with new friends you make at the show. The retail industry is built on relationships, so take advantage of after show opportunities to network.
