Is there an exhibitionist inside you?

Author - Andrew Long

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Is there an exhibitionist inside you?

For many of us the prospect of attending an exhibition as a delegate can seem a little daunting, but the suggestion that you should exhibit can be even more scary!

I have attended numerous trade shows, exhibitions, seminars and business to business events during my career, but rarely have I been directly involved in exhibiting – until now.

A little over a week ago I received a call from a lovely lady who runs a series of successful Business Shows throughout the South West and Wales. I was asked whether I would consider participating in a show which was about to happen the following Friday. I swiftly passed the enquiry on to my Director, thinking that costs would prove a barrier etc.

The next day the plans were in full swing, with new promotional material having been ordered, and myself and a colleague lined up to represent Cass Stephens at this event. With the idea of promoting the Insurance Broking world to the delegates and fellow attendees, I was hooked, and could not wait to get started. I had been to a networking meeting previously where I listened to a very insightful talk on the “Do’s and Don’ts” of exhibiting –so I knew not to sit down, check my ‘phone or wander aimlessly around!

Within a week I was arriving at the venue at just after 7am, laden down with roller banners, business cards, flyers and smart suit to boot! My colleague arrived shortly afterwards with a box full of chocolates, pens and a fantastic bottle of Champagne for our business card draw.

We both were fuelled by a heady combination of strong coffee, delicious pastries and boundless enthusiasm and energy.  We were determined that it was going to be a very good day!

Fast forward til around 3pm, and with the event closed and delegates dispersing, our inaugral stint as “Exhibitionists” was over.  Wow! What a day – the opportunity to bring to life the reality of what we do to a captive audience had been a resounding success, and enabled us to connect with some fascination people who really understood what we were about.

So for any shy business people out there who are considering showing their wares in public, I would say – GO for it!. As long as you make some simple plans, and follow a few key rules, then you’ll be fine. After all, who better is there to promote your business than you?