We think we are safe. We never think anything will happen to
us at a trade show. Fortunately it seldom does, but when it
does it can be distareous.
WHAT TO DO?
Accidents happen quickly. You cannot plan but you can be
prepared. Here are 7 TIPS to consider when attending any
event in a large venue -
BE AWARE OF WEATHER PATTERNS –
Tornadoes are rare in Utah, but it happened. Who expected
the levees to break in New Orleans? Heat waves, droughts,
hurricanes, wildfires and floods are more prevalent this year
in the US. Weird weather can happen anywhere in the world.
KNOW WHERE THE EXITS ARE -
You check them on the plane and the hotel. But when was
the last time you seriously looked for the exits at the trade
show facility. Close your eyes – do you have a mental map
of how to get from your space to at least two exits. Why two
exits? One may be blocked.
KNOW ENERGENCY INFORMATION –
No sense in calling 911 if you don’t know exactly where you
are. Make sure everyone on your staff has correct
information about your location – hall, space number for the
trade show. Name and address of off-site venues –
restaurants, etc.
KNOW CPR and AED –
As medical devices become easier for the general
population to use, it helps to know CPR – Cardio Pulmonary
Resuscitation –
http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/quickcpr.html
Also have a general understanding of AED – Automated
External Defibrillators. Increasingly you will see AEDs in
airports and public venues. Your Red Cross chapter
teaches both.
CHECK FOR EMERGENCY INFO –
It’s boring but read the emergency info in the hotel. Check
the Exhibitor’s Manual for details, venue floor plan and who
to call.
GET A MAP –
When you are off the floor, it helps to have a map so you
know where you are in relation to major intersections, your
hotel, the venue, restaurants. You don’t want the taxi that
takes you on a road trip through the city for the restaurant
five blocks away. Read the map before you go and keep it in
your pocket.
TRUST YOUR GUT –
When in doubt, get out. You have intuition for a reason – trust
your gut feeling. It is always right whether dealing with
people or situation.
Julia O’Connor – Speaker, Author, Consultant – writes
about practical aspects of trade shows. As president of
Trade Show Training, inc,, now celebrating its 11th
year, she works with companies in a variety of
industries to improve their bottom line and marketing
opportunities at trade shows.
Julia is an expert in the psychology of the trade show
environment and uses this expertise in sales training
and management seminars. Contact her at
804-355-7800 or check the site
http://www.TradeShowTraining.com