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Made The Most of Your Show Experience
After the shock of finding the Novi Expo Center just off I-96 at Exit 162, what a surprise free parking is.
So, you have finally made it to the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Show. All of the sudden you realize that you are face to face with the energy of the exhibit Show floor. You look around and realize that you are in the middle of a marketplace filled with hundreds of exhibits, new products, Show floor discounts, demonstrations, educational seminars and much more!
Where do you begin?
This website has the exhibitors listed by product and service they provide, this information is located here. Take a look at the list of new products, which can be found here. When you arrive at the Show be sure to pick up a Show Program at the door.
Plan
Make a list of the exhibitors that appear to offer products and/or services that compliment your business. Don't forget to check out the guest speaker lineup and be sure to pencil into your schedule a visit to the educational seminar area where you can sit in on informative seminars and network with owners, operators and decision-makers from across the state.
The Show has grown so much in the past years that you can definitely expect massive crowds in the afternoon. Go early. Food product samples are swarmed during the afternoon, so go to those areas early. When the lunch crowd is at the food samples, visit the seminar area or equipment and service booths.
Prepare
Don't overlook your physical comfort. The Show can be exhausting, so get plenty of rest and eat right. Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing. Remember that you will most likely be walking from one interesting booth to another.
Bring plenty of business cards in case a particular vendor does not have badge-scanning equipment. This will eliminate having to wait for the vendor to write down your name, phone number and items of interest. This will also serve as a convenient way to have show literature sent to you if you prefer not to carry a bag full of materials throughout the Show.
Questions
Take your list of exhibitors and add to that some key questions you may have regarding their product or service. This is your chance to really test and compare! Take advantage of the opportunity the Show provides and initiate one-on-one discussions with exhibitors.
Promotions
Attend yourself and send you decision-makers to the Show. It is most definitely worth a whole day of their time, because there are always cutting edge products and services at the Show.
Explore
There is something for everyone on the Show floor. If you are going with other business associates, split up or go at different times, and attend different seminars. When you return to the office have a meeting where each person can share the new ideas they found.
It is very important, more so now than ever, be sure to visit the seminar area where professional development for all employees is taking place. Professional development is critical to the future success of your company.
Whether you're a seasoned restaurateur or just starting out, The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Show is a feast of information and expertise.
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