If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that patience is a virtue when it comes to managing a trade show program.

Like a marriage, you are in it for the long haul. You can plan and plan, but things don’t always fall into place as you think they will or should. Just because you asked for something from the exhibit house doesn’t mean it will happen on time (more than likely, in all fairness and the wish for perfect customer service, it will). Or you get the space you wanted at that all-important big show (or the small one, for that matter). Change and detours are a way of life in the exhibit marketing business. Here are some words of advice: Read More...

Over the past few weeks I’ve been in several situations that all lend themselves to human interaction. And while they are very divergent activities (a wedding, a fishing trip and a meeting with my management), several themes rang true. These same themes lend themselves to face-to-face marketing and trade shows.

1. Patience.
2. Persistence.
3. Passion.

A wedding is the ultimate event when it comes to planning. There is every detail to attend to on a schedule rivaling a space shuttle launch. And let’s not talk about budget. Everyone involved had to be patient, there was a persistence in making sure we all followed through with our respective roles and the passion with which it was all orchestrated goes without saying. Read More...