Attending an industry show is a huge investment of time, money, and, let’s face it, energy. So why do we do it? Because everyone in our target audience comes together all in one place.

To make sure you get the most from your investment, you HAVE to bring your networking A Game with you!

This checklist will make it easy not just stay on task while you’re at the show, but also help you make a positive, lasting impression.

Networking Checklist

____ Accurate, current business cards

If any information has changed since the last time you printed your business cards, then NOW is the time to update them. Making pen-and-ink corrections on the fly and apologizing that they’re not right is NOT the impression you want to make on a potential buyer.

Bonus: Print a QR code with business card or product information on a 3×5 card. People you talk with can scan it right into their phone.

____ Paper Calendar

Even though we all have calendars on our smartphones, most of us are “all fingers” when it comes to trying to schedule appointments on the fly. Keep a paper calendar handy so you can arrange follow-up calls right then and there.

____ Organized purse or attache

Before you leave home, make sure you are 100% familiar and confident with where all your tools are. If you pull out a pen or a sell sheet, make sure it goes back into the exact spot you took it from. Why? Because then you’re not fumbling to find it when someone asks you for it while you’re standing in the lunch line.

Bonus: Pack your charger! Big venues with lots of people tax your phone, and it will be constantly looking for signals. That draws down your charge very quickly.

____ Small notebook

Notebooks are for more than just meetings. If you met someone you are going to follow up with, but aren’t sure you’ll remember the conversation, tape their business card to the page and jot down some notes. You can also use notebooks to write down your observations, draft blog posts or newsletters, even plan some Tweets. See a marketing idea that you like? Write it down.

Bonus:  Take a couple of those small plastic envelopes that you can secure with string. You’ll want one for the business cards you collect and one for your receipts.

____ Smartphone, tablet, or camera

Whatever device you use, definitely bring a camera. Pics are a great way to share all the fun … especially on social (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, et al). If you’re doing a demo or signing a book, get someone to take a photo for you. Is your product being displayed in a showcase? Tweet it! Barrista make you a beautiful latte? Share on Instagram!

Remember: Don’t take or share pictures of products or people without their permission!

Technology – particularly smartphone Apps – make networking a breeze.

If you’re interested in learning how to make the most of your gadget(s) for networking and getting more best practices for networking at trade shows, join us for Get App-Y: Trade Show Networking in a Digital Age.