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It’s Only Common Sense: Getting the Most from IPC APEX EXPO 2019

With IPC APEX EXPO 2019 coming up next week, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about some of my ideas for helping visitors who are not exhibiting but are attending the show. Obviously, we have talked a great deal about how to get the most of your dollars when you exhibit at a trade show, and yes, we have talked about walking a show a show as well. But it has been a while, and I thought this would be a good time for a refresher.

Here are some of the best things you can do to get the most from your time at IPC APEX EXPO 2019:

1. Check out the equipment. A trade show is one of the best places to get your first look at some of the new equipment being introduced to the market. Take a walk around and see what’s new. Really stop to look the equipment over, talk to the people selling it, take notes, and get a good understanding of what the equipment is and what it can do. Then, compare and contrast that equipment with similar equipment being shown by different competing companies. A trade show is a great time to scout out equipment you are thinking of buying either this week or later in the year, and you may even make a deal on a piece of equipment you want to buy. The last thing the manufacturers want is to ship their demos back to the company; they would rather ship them to your company instead. And as a bonus for buying equipment at the show, there is nothing better than to have the name of your company on a newly purchased piece of equipment for people to see for the remainder of the exhibition.
2. Meet up with your customers. IPC APEX EXPO is our industry’s biggest event of the year, so it’s a perfect time to meet up with your customers who will also be in San Diego. Thus. there is no better time of the year to have meetings with as many of your customers as possible. Just think of the travel expenses you’re saving by meeting with four or five of your customers from all over the country all for the expense of just one trip! Make sure you plan these meetings in advance. Don’t try to wing it, which will not work. Set the times and meeting places in advance for ultimate meeting efficiency.
3. Learn what’s new in technology. IPC offers many classes that you can attend where companies are anxious to tell you about their new technologies and other developments in the industry. There are also press conference, and presentations going on all day, every day; all you have to do is register. Check out the show guide and choose the subjects you want to learn about. There is no better time of the year to learn so much in so little time.
4. Find the right people. Whether, you want to hire an engineer, a quality manager, or a direct salesperson or rep, next week is the perfect time to meet and interview people you would like to bring into your company. Again, schedule the meetings up in advance, and schedule them very carefully to get the biggest bang for your precious time.
5. Do some sales. There is nothing wrong with stopping by the booth of a company you would like to do business with and talking about your products. Visit potential customers at their booths, introduce yourself, and take a moment or two to tell them about your products and services. Who knows, you might walk away with a new customer. Wouldn’t that be time and money well spent?
6. And do a little marketing. Talk to the I-Connect007 team at Booth #3119. They have helped hundreds of companies tell their stories and increase their sales. Stop by and see what they can do for you.
7. Finally, set your goals in advance. Figure out what you want to get out of the show, and then plan on how you will accomplish that. I’ll say it again; don’t wing it! Plan in advance so that you use every minute of your time in at IPC APEX EXPO 2019 to the fullest.

It’s only common sense.

Dan Beaulieu is president of D.B. Management Group.