SPE Offshore Europe starts just three weeks today! To help you plan, we have asked some show veterans for their tips on how to survive and thrive at Europe's biggest oil show:
Rachel Creegan, PR and marketing director, ThinkPR
“Being on your feet all day and into the evening can begin to take its toll and sometimes even flat shoes don’t do the trick. Keep a handy pack of blister plasters in your pocket or your bag and you’ll never be slowed down!”
Susanne Shepherd – Communications Coordinator, Technip UK
Having attended the exhibition as a working student, exhibitor and visitor, my top tip would be to plan your visit as much as you can. There can be so much to see that you can easily become side tracked and never make it to see that important client or product. Highlight who you want to visit or speak to, plan your route and make sure you plan to do this first so you can enjoy the rest of the exhibition.
Victoria Byers – Senior Events and Marketing Co-ordinator at Expro
Transport: figure out the car parking/bus routes in advance so on the first day of the event you know where you are going and how far you have to walk etc.
Clothing: an obvious but essential tip, wear your flats and pack heels in your bag as you are likely to have a long walk from the car park. Also take a spare shirt – it can get very hot in those marquees.
Event box: I take a box of ticks to every show, it includes everything from pain killers to double sided tape. I was once asked for a needle and thread to sew up trousers that burst so now always have a sewing kit in there too.
Trolley: invest in a small portable trolley, you will thank me when you have done trip six to the car for another box. Everyone is busy during the set up so offers of help to carry boxes are few and far between so best to be self sufficient.
Print outs: take copies of everything with you, someone always forgets their brief or wants to know when they are next scheduled on the stand, stick these up in your cupboard walls for all to access.
Contacts: programme every possible contact you may need into your phone so when you run out of coffee or your AV fails you can get in touch with the right person quickly.
Sustenance: make sure you have plenty of water, juice and snacks on hand for those working on the stand. Rarely does anyone bring their own supplies but stand duty is harder than it looks and a little sugar hit will help!
Have fun: trade shows are great fun but only if you make the most of them. Use the time to not only meet new clients but visit old contacts and to get to know your colleagues.
Do you have any tips? Share them with us and we'll share them with the show! Email [email protected]
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