Ah, tradeshows. It doesn’t matter what industry you’re in or which side of the table you are on, tradeshows can be exhausting, especially when you travel to several in only a few months. I know many folks have their own tips and tricks to making it through tradeshow season but I’d like to offer mine which are taken from the movie “Zombieland” and its rules. (If you haven’t seen it, go check it out. It’s hilarious, even to someone like me who is terrified of zombies.) I’ve chosen a few of my favorite rules that I think will help the most.
Very important!
Rule #1: Cardio
The first rule to surviving in a zombie-overrun world is cardio. Make sure you have it in your routine. After all, not all zombies are the slow shambling type. It’s best to be able to outrun them if you can.
In the world of tradeshows cardio can be a lifesaver. If you’re an attendee you’ll be on your feet, often rushing through the many isles of booths, trying to hit the ones you’ve planned out (or that catch your eye). If you’re an exhibitor you’ll likely be on your feet all day, manning the booth and encouraging folks to step closer and learn more. Either way, you’ll be on your feet and reaching for that stamina and endurance. Making sure to keep up with your cardio (and wearing comfortable shoes) will help get you through the tradeshow days with less exhaustion.
Rule # 7: Travel Light
In a world where undead lurk and shamble around every corner, it’s a good idea to travel light. Carting too many possessions (and weapons) can slow you down. Instead, keep your burdens at a minimum and stick to the necessities. If you cart too much around with you, no matter how well you follow rule #1, it’s likely that they’ll drag you down to your zombie-meal doom.
Stuff will slow you down
When attending a trade show it’s tempting to take every free item offered to you, whether you think it will come in handy or not. After all, it’s free! The problem comes when you find yourself trying to maneuver through a crowded tradeshow floor with a cart/bag/armload of those free items slowing you down and even tripping you up. If you can, take the items you know you’ll use and get scanned in and request that others be mailed to you instead. Should the free things prove too tempting to pass up, plan some time in your schedule to make a run to the nearest shipping desk and send them back to your office as soon as possible. If you travel light through the tradeshow floor you’ll find you have more energy and time to stop and learn more about the businesses/products/services that truly interest you.
- Stretch!
Rule # 18: Limber Up
All the cardio and light travel in the world won’t help you if you haven’t stretched well before venturing out in a zombie-filled land. The last thing you need is to get a cramp or spasm that causes you to fall and injure those non-warmed up muscles. Even the shambling zombies tend to move faster than most limping people.
Out on the tradeshow floor, whether you’re day will be spent standing or walking, make sure to stretch before you begin your day and at regular intervals during the show. It’s a good way to keep yourself from stiffening up and will even provide a quick energy boost. Your aching, oxygen-deprived muscles will thank you for it.
And one of my favorites for the end of the day:
Rule #32: Enjoy the Little Things
Though the zombie-infested land may be daunting and you may find yourself growing tired of the endless cycle of running and shooting, it’s good to remember to stop and take a breath when you can. When you happen on the little things that make you smile, stop and enjoy them for a moment. It makes everything easier to bear.
Tradeshows can be just as scary as a land filled with the undead and it’s just as important to stop and take a minute or two to enjoy the things that make you smile and feel lighter. Maybe it’s running into a friend at a booth, or seeing a product that sparks your imagination. Maybe it’s as simple as stepping into a booth and realizing they have padding under their booth flooring that feels like heaven to your feet. Whatever it is, stop and indulge for a moment. You’ll find the happy feeling you get from that enjoyment will travel with you as you venture back into the sea of humanity.
There are many rules of Zombieland that can help you make it through a tradeshow with less stress. Are there any tips that you would suggest? Drop a comment and let me know!
Speaking from an exhibitors point of view on this, I would add a rule. The Double Tap. Many times have I scanned somebody to get their contact info and have them walk away only to find out the scan didn’t register correctly. I’ve made a habit of checking immediately and hitting them with a second scan immediately before it’s too late. Shoot them twice!
Ha! I hadn’t even thought about that but you’re right! I was trying to figure out how to work the Double Tap rule in there. Totally glad you mentioned this one.
Haha, great post, Juliette!
Dazed people wandering in herds, swooping down on vulnerable-looking victims – trade shows really ARE like Zombieland.
I like the bit about traveling light the best. At my first trade show, I was so excited about getting freebies that I was loaded down before I knew it! That led to a rough rest of the afternoon…
Thanks, Jana! I can’t tell you how tempted I am to work out a giveaway with prizes to the first people who catch Josh at our booth and say “Braaaaaains!!”.
I did that at my first trade show too! It’s all about pacing yourself or becoming really good friends with the folks at the shipping counter.
What a fab take on trade shows! I wouldn’t have thought about connecting any of these with Zombieland, but you’re right on track as usual. Conventions are hectic enough (whether you’re an attendee or a vendor) and there’s no need for junk that’ll slow you down along the way. Good call! And enjoying the little things is imperative…otherwise you won’t have any fun and you’ll end up going home stressed. Who wants that?!? Trade shows are supposed to be FUN!
If I remembered more of the Zombieland rules offhand, I’d try to add another one to your list. Josh brought up a great one on the double tap, though! Nothing wrong with double-checking the information, especially if the customer could instantly disappear into a crowd.
Oh, I can connect almost anything to zombies. It’s a bit scary at times.
Glad you liked this one! And stopping to enjoy things is a big part that I think gets overlooked. When I worked the PPAI show in Vegas I spent a great deal of my free time at the Star Trek Experience (before it closed). Made a day of being on my feet worth it when I could relax at Quark’s Bar.
LOL. I can’t believe I missed the double tap one. So glad that Josh caught that one.