Now that you are at the show, stay focused on the purpose of your attendance. Don't get distracted. If you came to see software demonstrations, don't spend time looking at irrelevant exhibits. Get a show directory. These often include contact information in them and can be a valuable resource after you get home. Don't take materials from exhibitors you have no interest in. Whatever you pick up you have to carry and it makes it harder to weed through your materials later. You can also order materials later. Collect the magazines when you leave.

Vow to use your time wisely. Use the precious time during the convention to meet new people, learn about a software tool that could help you do your job better or get some advice from an industry expert in a seminar or course. If you go with a friend, you can split up and get twice as much info as you could going together to the same seminars, exhibits or screenings. You can exchange notes at night or when you return home.

Eschew distractions. It's easy to get sidetracked once you are on the show floor. Establish your priorities and stick to them. Stick to the list of the exhibitors you are especially interested in seeing. Eat a hearty breakfast so you don't have to take time out early in the day to eat when everyone else is. Bring a snack of fruit and a sports bottle to keep you going. Most shows have food but you may not want to stand in line. You can snack on the stuff you brought during a demo. Eat in the convention center during the day. You can try restaurants at night when most of the activities of the day are over.

Network whenever you get a chance. Whether you are standing in line to get your pass, or to go to a seminar or special event, or on the bus to and from the hotel, or if you see someone standing by himself or herself at a subway stop carrying a bag from the convention, you have opportunities to make connections. Strike up a conversation with those around you. Take advantage of this time. There aren't many occasions when you'll be able to meet people from all over the world interested in the same industry as you are. Familiarize yourself with the transportation routes to the hospitality suites prior to any appointment. Many shows have hospitality suites in the evening after the show. Network, don't party. These people are potential business associates. Be sure you remain sober and friendly. Don't stay up late — you'll be ineffective the next day.

Take a break from the floor every few hours. If you sit down to eat, sit near someone new. Network. Find out where other attendees are from and what they liked the most at the show. Exchange cards.

Initiate job contacts. If you are job hunting, apply to the companies ahead of time if possible. Use the show to meet with those who have an interest in you. Post your résumé and attach samples of your work at the career center. This is a time when you should include artwork on your résumé or use colored paper to help it stand out. It will be vying with hundreds of others posted on bulletin boards so make it catch the eye of the viewer. Make sure your email is easy to find and easy to read. Put your contact info on the top of your résumé and not along the sides or bottom. Use a large enough type font so employers can read your contact information easily.