When attending an industry event it always helps to come in with an action plan so as to make the most of the potential opportunities and experience. It’s no different with this year’s ESX show in Baltimore. So I am being so bold as to set forth one possible very general laundry list of things to accomplish for those who will be making the journey. For those who are not, save this anyway to stimulate a specific plan of action for whatever tradeshow or conference you may take in down the line.
Having been to every ESX since its inception, I feel at least reasonably qualified to suggest these action items. Drop me a note afterwards and let me know how successful you were carrying out what you had intended to do at the show. I hope you find it to be productive.
Now here are your marching orders, and I am going easy on you:
- Make at least 12 new connections with colleagues and potential partners
- Have meaningful meetings with at least 8 vendors/exhibitors
- Attend at least 5 educational/training sessions
- Participate in at least 3 social activities (but only if you’ve earned it doing the other stuff!)
- Attend at least 2 trade association meetings (ESA, CSAA, SIAC, etc.)
- Sit in on at least 2 keynote/featured speaker events
- Do at least 1 thing associated with the host city (sightsee, ballgame, etc.)
- Watch what you eat and keep active (OK, well this last one is more for me)
Enjoy the show!
