August 2021 Volume 3

INDUSTRY NEWS

Check theWeather October in Detroit can bring many types of weather and temperatures. Be sure to check the forecast prior to the program, and pack accordingly. According to WeatherSpark.com, the daily high temperatures in October inDetroit decrease by 12°F, from67°F to 55°F, rarely falling below 43°F or exceeding 78°F. Daily low temperatures decrease by 10°F, from 51°F to 41°F, rarely falling below 32°F or exceeding 62°F. Plan an Itinerary There is a lot to see and do in such a short time. To keep yourself on schedule and get the most out of your time, be sure to stay organized. Make a list of exhibitors you want to see and a list of sessions you want to attend. Reach out to contacts you want to meet face-to-face with prior to the event, and schedule time to sit down and connect.

Remember the Essentials Business cards: A business card is an invitation for extended conversation beyond the trade show and a physical reminder of who you are. While exhibitors will have access to ATS Lead Retrieval scanners, those walking the show floor will want to be sure they can connect with their peers as well. Bring a stack of business cards to dish out during your time at the show. Comfortable shoes: You will certainly be getting your steps in! Exhibit halls are known for taking a toll on (both attendee and exhibitor) feet. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes with support, so you have no problem power walking to all the exhibits and presentations you are trying to see. Save room for swag: Allow enough room in your suitcase(s) for bringing back more than you take. You will be bringing home vendor literature, freebies, and product samples. Get Social Before, during and after Forge Fair 2021, there will be social media chatter. This is a great way to find out who you know that is attending, see highlights from exhibitors, and network with fellow attendees. Don’t be afraid to jump in on the conversation. During the event, use Facebook and LinkedIn to connect with other attendees you meet throughout the day. This will make the follow- up process easier for you when you get back to work. Don’t forget to hashtag - #ForgeFair2021.

Make it Easy toMeet Creating a meeting space in your booth is an exceptional way for attendees to sit down with your staff in a private setting. Plan in advance and encourage attendees to make appointments to speak Make a Presentation All Forge Fair 2021 exhibitors are eligible to discuss their featured products, technologies and services as part of the exhibitor presentation program. The 25-minute exhibitor presentations are held in meeting rooms within the TCF Center. Handouts or technical papers are encouraged. During your presentation you can encourage attendees to come to your booth to get more information. To host a presentation, simply check the exhibitor presentation box on the exhibitor registration form when you sign-up and complete the presentation reply form found in the exhibitor kit. Advice for Forge Fair 2021 Exhibitors to Attract Attendees to Their Booth with your team before the show. Get Attendees Involved

Create interactive activities and displays or have product demos and let attendees get in on the action. Interactive experiences engage the senses and allow you to show off on the show floor. Memorable Giveaways One of the best parts about going to a trade show is picking up the freebies at the various booths. Many of us have been missing the kinds of interpersonal interactions that we have come to take for granted. Now is the time to put effort into memorable giveaways. Create a Comfortable Space Make attendees comfortable so they want to spend more time at your booth. A cozy environment will provide a much-needed spot to relax and won’t make people feel like they’re in a sales space.

FIA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021 68