Trade show top tips

With this year's GITEX extravaganza expected to be the biggest yet, it's important that you prepare yourself for the onslaught.

1. Plan, plan, plan

With so many things to see and do at GITEX, it's easy to become overwhelmed. And the last thing that you'll want to do is to go back to the office to tell your boss that you didn't get all your work done. So, planning is key. Write down a list of your objectives, grab a diary, a GITEX map and a schedule of events and plot out a plan of action. Don't forget to take into consideration travel timings (traffic in Dubai can be a nightmare) and to leave enough leeway for unforeseen events.

2. Travel light

You know what it's going to be like. The minute you walk in the door you'll be handed brochures, goodie bags, samples... you name it. Add all that weight to what you walked in with, and by the end of the day you're going to be sick and tired of carrying it all around. Give yourself a break, and only bring essential items with you.

3. Business cards

Apart from their obvious use at networking events, business cards are also your ticket to freedom. Instead of stacking up on brochures and other bits and pieces of marketing paraphernalia, give the punters your business card and ask them to email you the relevant information. Do show some caution with who you hand them too though. If you donate them willy-nilly, you'll be receiving unwanted spam from now until to eternity.

4. Comfortable Clothes

It sounds obvious, but the hobbling, fidgety people you see at the end of the day at these types of events proves that it's worth mentioning. Make sure you were comfortable clothing and shoes. We'll say it again. Make sure you were comfortable clothing and shoes. Sure it's a business event and you need to put your best foot forward, but if you're sweating so much you could wring out your shirt, and you can't walk in a straight line because your new shoes are pinching, that's not going to do it either. Remember also to take the climate into consideration. While it's steaming hot outside, the air-conditioning in some places can be a little bit chilly. Layers are key.

5. Give yourself a break

As easy as it is to get caught up in a whirlwind of networking events, business meetings and social engagements, it's important to build some down time into your day. You don't want to burn the candle at both ends, and end up a wreck when you get home. Go to the gym, book a spa appointment or just grab a magazine and sit by the pool. It'll allow you to de-stress, relax and refocus your mind.

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