This September, one of the world’s largest trade shows will be arriving in Chicago–IMTS. The International Manufacturing and Technology show is home to over 1,000 exhibitors at McCormick place every two years, and is responsible for bringing together thousands of attendees. This 6 day show is an excellent way to network within your industry, build lasting relationships and see proven results.
But what about the Chicago models assisting the exhibitors during this time? Trade show work is sometimes under appreciated by those who have never “worked” a show before. There are the long hours on your feet–in heels, the funny costumes you have to wear, or the hours of speaking you do each day. Trade shows are serious work, and a show as huge as IMTS will give us reasons to remember the most basic guidelines for working a trade show!
1. Heels are hot, comfortable heels are priceless: Your black, patent leather stiletto pumps may look good at Enclave on Saturday nights, but there is a difference between the dance floor and the trade show floor. Generally, trade shows are places of business, take advantage of that and leave the pumps in your closet, pull out those 2″ kitten heels and rock them like you’ve never rocked another pair of Easy Spirits before.
2. Drink lots of water: One of the primary functions of a Chicago trade show model is to provide the personality to the booth. Speaking to strangers, speaking to clients, speaking to more strangers–thats just a part of the game and running around with a horse voice is slightly repellent, to the booth and to yourself.
3. Always come prepared: I’ve heard stories of Chicago models (not Ocean Models, of course) showing up with wet hair and no makeup. My advice to you would be, suffer through the pain of waking up 30 minutes earlier to blow-dry your hair and put your face on. Trust me, everyone will be happier to see you and you will feel better about yourself.
4. Smile: it’s easy as that. Who doesn’t love to see someone smiling at them? I can’t think of anyone. In fact, I’m smiling right now thinking about it!
5. Say “Thank You:” Let me say right now that there is one thing that warms my heart more than anything after a trade show–a “Thank you.” It doesn’t need to be in the form of flowers, or singing tell-o-grams, but a short and simple email saying, “I had a great time at _____, thank you for the opportunity.” Aside from leaving a lasting impression on myself and everyone else in the office, it’s just plain classy–tres Audrey Hepburn.
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