CHICAGO — Event organizers can find new opportunities, success strategies and more at the International Association of Exhibitions and Events’ (IAEE) Expo! Expo! For first-timers, though, it can be hard to know where to start. Trade Show Executive (TSE) spoke with Ashley Cannon, CEM, Event Operations Manager at Informa Markets, for tips to help new professionals hit the Expo! Expo! show floor running.
ANDREW: What advice would you give a young professional who is attending Expo! Expo! for the first time?
ASHLEY: Be prepared to be overwhelmed and energized at the same time.
Take a lot of business cards, download the mobile app, schedule any meetings in advance and bookmark your sessions within the app.
ANDREW: What strategies can young professionals use to make the most out of the event?
ASHLEY: Go in with an open mind to learn both personally and professionally. The event is designed to help you grow, and you can only do that so much as you’re willing to let yourself. Be prepared to build your network by meeting new people, attending events and getting involved with your local chapter. They have chapter receptions there — be sure to go and meet new people.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t do too much too fast. Find sessions that mean something to you, that would help you grow in your career, and give yourself some grace to take time to absorb all of it.
It depends on how you learn, and if you want to learn in the morning or the afternoon … when is your brain operating the best during the day? Try to split your time between the sessions and the expo hall as best you can.
Try to find a friend in one of the sessions and ask “Hey, what do you suggest,” “Can I walk with you,” “Can you show me XYZ” or “Do you know anything about certain ”
Related. Diving into Education Sessions with PCMA’s Sherrif Karamat, CAE
ANDREW: What do you recall from your first Expo! Expo! experience, and is there anything that you wish you would have done differently?
ASHLEY: It was overwhelming and exciting getting into the industry. I wish that I would have signed up for the Mentor Match Program. It’s a beneficial program that IAEE offers where you’re paired with someone for a minimum of four months, and they can go through helpful tips, talk about their mistakes, lessons learned and how to grow in the industry as a professional.
ANDREW: What have you gained from attending Expo! Expo!?
ASHLEY: In addition to invaluable knowledge about the meetings and events industry, I have gained lifelong friends and an extended family. I never knew that was going to be a possibility starting off. A continuous community for learning is also a huge benefit.
ANDREW: How does Expo! Expo! help professionals and the events industry as a whole?
ASHLEY: Not only can you maintain relationships with your current vendor partners, but you can seek out other vendors, and that helps keep companies competitive with each other.
It also gives you the ability to see advantages or disadvantages for decision-making when it comes to budget. Budget is at the forefront of a lot of companies right now with inflation on the rise, and it’s nice to meet new people and get options for your company.
Knowledge is power — the more that you can learn and take back to decision-makers, if you’re not one, the more you’ll grow in your career.
ANDREW: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
ASHLEY: Although the industry is large, it is truly a small community. As strange as that sounds, it’s the truth. You never know when a door is going to open for you — go in with the empowerment that a door can open for a different career.
I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for IAEE and Expo! Expo!
I’ve made really good friends and connections and always kept expanding my learning and my knowledge. Be open to learning new things and meeting new people.
Learn more about Expo! Expo! here. Also, check out the November issue of TSE Magazine for a preview of the event’s 2024 edition.
If you are a new attendee, consider checking out IAEE’s Expo! Expo! First Timer Program, which organizers who have never attended the event, or only attended Virtual Expo! Expo! in 2020, can use to register at a discounted price and access unique networking opportunities and resources.
