Trade shows offer an incredible opportunity: Attendees learn about the innovations in their industry’s field, connect with colleagues from around the world and seek new inspirations.
On point, GIFA 2015—the most essential trade show for foundry technology in the world—features hundreds of companies from around the globe, and showcases dozens upon dozens of types of equipment.
At the previous 2001 GIFA event the Show’s rows were filled with 780 exhibitors from a total of 45 countries. And, more than 53 percent of attendees traveled to the event from outside the country: That’s a boatload of incoming flights for Germany.
With complete transparency, we all know that industry events are exciting and can also be completely, exuberantly, vibrantly overwhelming. From the anxious-traveler who may forget to pack their lucky socks or pen to the beyond-excited-traveler who can’t stop thinking about how they are flying into Germany for a work trip—and everyone in between—traveling can exhaust us all.
But trade shows don’t have to be total chaos—with just a little bit of preparation and organization, you’ll be set for smooth sailing.
Each business team has its own list of preparations—what about your personal to-dos? To get ready, here’s a list of tips to help you get the most from GIFA 2015:
1) MAP OUT MEETINGS
Check out which companies will be registered at the Show. Arrange in-person meetings with your current partners, so that you can re-connect face-to-face. Also, set up appointments with new companies with whom you would like to collaborate. For your meeting, choose a day and time that doesn’t conflict with a community event—it could be a bummer to miss a presentation. Also, come with your relevant questions in-hand. You’ll both want to make good use of your time. Lastly, agree on a location that will be convenient for you both: Perhaps a booth in the Show or a nearby coffee shop.
Along those lines, you can arrange a one-on-one appointment with the General Kinematics Team here. (Scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your appointment information.)
2) LOOK UP LECTURES
Pencil the speakers, lecture titles, days, times, and locations into your calendar. You can access the lectures here.
3) STUDY THE SHOW FLOOR
Familiarize yourself with the show floorplan beforehand using the interactive flash floorplan tool, on the GIFA website. You can also add companies to you own organizer—the GIFA MyOrganizer Tool—including General Kinematics (our booth will be: Hall 17, Stand D17).
4) BE SOCIAL
Get involved with social media to track live happenings on the Show floor. On twitter, follow us @gkvibrating. Use the hashtags #GIFA2015 and #GeneralKinematics.
5) BUILD A BUFFER
Budget a little extra time before and after your appointments—whether those are lectures, presentations or one-on-one meetings—so that you’re never rushed. Plus, extra buffer time will open up opportunities for you to meet new colleagues, mingle, and see more than what’s in your plan.
