There is a trade show, conference or festival every month. Next month there's the SIGGRAPH s004 conference in Los Angeles, (www.siggraph.org/s2004) and this month there's the Comic-Con Int'l in San Diego. A show may look like a carnival, but if you are prepared, a trade show can be a turning point in your career. You can meet prospective employers, learn about other companies, learn new technologies and skills, and meet industry leaders. To get the most out of this opportunity, prepare as if you are preparing for a marathon, especially if you are traveling out of town for several days.

Before the Show
The more work you do before you go, the more you'll get out of the show when you get there.

Find out as much as you can about the show before you go. Many have Websites. Some post their exhibitors with links to the exhibitors' Websites. Find out as much as you can about the exhibitors. Make a list of the exhibitors you are especially interested in seeing.

Review the special needs of your company or business beforehand so you can keep an eye out for those products or services that can meet those needs.

Read all the materials you receive prior to the show regarding seminars and events so you don't miss something important. Learn about the event speakers. Usually the pre-show mailer will include short bios of the speakers and descriptions of the sessions. There may be some you'll want to meet.

Register before the show to save time in registration lines. You can often get a discount for early registration so take advantage of it.

Some shows send maps ahead of time. Plan your route. Use a highlighter to mark those exhibitors who are essential to see.

Create a daily schedule or itinerary for your show visit including events, seminars and appointments. Remember, it is difficult and time consuming to meet other attendees at the show. Appointments should be with exhibitors or others who will be at a specific place.

A few days before you leave, reconfirm your travel and hotel reservations to avoid last minute problems. If possible, arrive a day early to avoid jetlag and get rested before the show.

Arrange a specific time you will call the home office. A regularly scheduled call will allow those back home to collect your messages before you call and prepare their questions and concerns. This will help keep the calls short so you can get back to the show.

At the Show
WHAT YOU NEED: Bring a spiral bound notepad and extra pens. Get a good night's rest and eat well before you get there. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Empty your purse and wallet of all non-essentials before you go to the show. Don't lug unneeded stuff around with you.

Pack several large pre-addressed mailing envelopes to mail literature home. Bring your shipping account information as well.

Bring a light empty bag or backpack to carry collected materials during the show.

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.