10 tips to help exhibitors have a rewarding Expo East

There are more than 300 first-time exhibitors coming to Natural Products Expo East this year, along with many first-time attendees. But even longstanding Expo veterans can benefit from these 10 tips for how to have the very best show.

1. Know the schedule

It's important to know what is happening and when so you don't miss anything! Not everything will be open on the same days or happening all week.

2. Learn the badge colors

Know who's who by learning New Hope's color coding to identify categories of the show's attendees.

3. Take care of yourself

There's no doubt that you will get in your daily recommended 10,000 steps at Expo East, which is spread out over some 120,000 square feet. With lots of moving, talking and standing, your body will need all the help it can get. Wear comfortable shoes, bring a reusable water bottle, stock up on electrolytes and maybe even invest in a massage gun. And make sure to attend morning Early Morning Puppy Yoga!

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4. Check your time zones

Before you arrive in Philadelphia, you will likely set up many meetings and make a game plan. For those of you not on Eastern Time, be sure you set your calendar appointments to the right time zone.

5. Make use of QR codes

Want to save a few trees while making it easy for attendees to access all they need to know about your brand? Set up a QR code! Display it on your booth and have it link to your sell sheets, contact info, product images and more. Retailers can use it to refer back to, or press can download your images for any media coverage. You could even set the QR code as your phone background, so you always have it on you.

6. Make goodie bags for your VIPs

It's a busy event, and if a key retailer comes by your booth, you may only have a few seconds to make an impression. So having a bag with your new products, contact info and any other marketing materials ready to go will help them remember you. Also, with everyone traveling, it's a good time to hook them in with your products to try back in their hotel. The snacks, soap, drinks, etc., provided in their hotel room may not be up to par, so using your high-quality products after a long day might really excite them.

7. Do your research, prep and breathe

Get started on these matters, if you haven't already:  

Most importantly, leave room for serendipity. The magic will happen in the unexpected moments.

8. Network!

This is your time to make connections; business will happen after Expo. You will meet many people, so it's also essential to ensure everyone who represents your brand is on the same page. Take advantage of the mornings and set up meetings over coffee and breakfast. In the evenings, be sure to head to the concerts. Many past attendees have said that the concerts are where some of their best connections and memories were made.

9. Bring a mini stapler, pen and notebook

You are going to collect a lot of business cards at the show. A great tip for keeping track of them is to bring a notebook and a mini stapler. Staple the business cards into the notebook; that way, you can write down any notes or conversations to help you remember who is who.

10. Make time for education

From the Supplement Symposium to the Innovation Experience and everything in between, your and your team have many great opportunities to "grow for good" at Expo East. All general education sessions are included with your exhibit hall badge. Find out more about the not-to-miss sessions here. 

And have a great show!

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