BACK to Exhibitor Page

First-Time Exhibitor Information

Before the Show

Badge Register
There are two ways to register for your badge. You can register online or download a printable registration form from the Web site.

Visit the Web Site Often
General information about the event's host city and detailed event information, including a schedule will be available for your reference. Information is updated continuously so be sure to visit this site often.

Planning Your Schedule at the Event
Click here to visit the Expo Online Planner and plan your event. Use the search box to find the education you need. Don't forget to add the sessions you want to attend to your personalized Expo Plan!

Important Deadlines

• 10/17/07 – Book your hotel.
• 1/11/08 – Last day to reserve ad space in the onsite Buyers' Guide
• 1/22/08 – Last day to list company information into the onsite Buyers' Guide
• 2/6/08 – Last day to submit artwork for ad in Buyers' Guide
• 2/15/08 – Last day to register for your badge and receive it in the mail. After that, pick up onsite at Will-Call.

Tips for Attending a Trade Show

Here are 8 critical tips that will help you get off on the right foot and make tradeshows a highly productive and enjoyable experience and a profitable investment.

1. Get Clear About What You Are Really Buying.   Most exhibitors think they are buying floor space, exposure, leads and so on. Successful exhibitors realize they are buying face to face contact in an environment strategically designed to facilitate interaction with a highly targeted market. Never forget this - it's about face!

2. Give Yourself Enough Time to Execute an Effective Exhibit.   Many first time exhibitors sign-up for shows too close to show time. Ideally, you should sign up at least six months before the show to give yourself time to plan and prepare for a successful show experience.

3. Invest the Proper Amount in the Show.   Another reason exhibitors don't get the return they expected is they don't invest enough money to make it work. The rule of thumb is floor space rental cost times three.

4. Lay a Solid Foundation for Success.   Many exhibitors rent space, send the exhibit, people, products and literature and hope things work out. Successful exhibitors ask this question: "At show closing time, within 90-180 days after the show, how we will know we were successful?" Their answers create the specific outcomes they desire, then they create plans for achieving those outcomes.

5. Read the Exhibitor Service Kit Carefully.   This critical document, which goes mostly unread by many exhibitors, will answer many of your questions, and direct you to resources you need to execute your exhibit. Not reading this can increase your costs by 40% or more because you may miss order deadline dates. Many service contractors offer an online version of the information contained in the exhibitor service manual.

6. Don't Throw a Party Without Inviting Guests.   Only 15% of exhibitors use targeted pre-show marketing to identify and attract enough of the right people to their exhibit. Be one of the 15%. The competition for an attendee's time is fierce. The successful exhibitor gets on their target attendees "must-see" list before the show opens.

7. The Real Work Begins When the Show Closes.   Exhibition industry research finds that only 13% of leads are followed-up. This is silently costing exhibitors hundreds of millions of dollars in unrealized business. Whatever you get at the show in terms of orders, is just the tip of the iceberg. The real product of a tradeshow for most companies is qualified leads.

8. Don't Judge a Show From One Attempt.   If a show has enough attendees that match your ideal customer profile, you should not judge the ultimate value of the show from one attempt. You should commit to at least three consecutive exhibits before making any judgment on the real value of the show.

Before & During the Trade Show

Odds and Ends
Dress Code: The dress code for Natural Products Expo West is business casual. Close to event, check local Internet sites for the host city to find out what the average temperatures are, and pack accordingly. Pack a light sweater or jacket for temperatures that vary in meeting rooms, and be sure to wear comfortable shoes!

Food: Cash food stations will be available in the Anaheim Convention Center; snack and beverage stations will be located at various locations in and around the facility.

Internet Access: All Expo Online Planner computer stations are located throughout the front area of the Convention Center with access to the internet.

Bookstore: Hall E also will host a bookstore where you'll find industry related and new book releases by hosted speakers.

Restaurants and Sightseeing: Restaurant and tourism information will be provided onsite at the Concierge Desk located by the front entrance of the Convention Center to assist with your after conference evening activities.

Your First Stop at the Expo: Registration
Even though you have pre-registered for Natural Products Expo West, you must pick up a color-coded badge holder at the Information Booths located throughout the Convention Center. They open at 8:00 am each day of the show. Your badge is required for entrance into the Exposition Halls and should be worn at all times during Natural Products Expo West.

Check Natural Products Expo West's Web site for Last-Minute Changes
Life is sometimes unpredictable. And, sometimes unexpected changes in our speaker schedules force us to make last-minute changes to educational sessions. Before you leave, be sure to check the Natural Products Expo West web site (www.expowest.com) to check for any last-minute changes to the schedule.

EmailthisPage