Business Networking For Dummies

Chapter 5

Networking at Trade Shows

In This chapter

Introducing trade and business shows

Preparing for a show

Working a trade or business show

All over the UK people are putting on various trade and business shows, general shows for business owners or specific shows for different professions, industries and trades.

While the main thrust of these events is typically trade stands wishing to sell to attendees, people can often be found networking as well. Sometimes the networking is explicit and advertised as such but, even if not, you can often find opportunities to network and make new contacts.

Knowing What to Expect from a Trade Show

Trade shows and business shows (the terms are pretty interchangeable; you may also find them described as ‘expos’) take place in pretty much every town and city in the UK. At the show itself are a number of trade stands or exhibits with products or services relevant to the audience at that show. Most shows have a programme of events including speakers, seminars, workshops and networking events.

The two types of people at business shows are:

• The exhibitor who has paid for a stand at the show to demonstrate their products or services.
• The attendee who ...