Don't Be 'That Guy' (or Gal) at Trade Shows

February 5, 2012

You've seen him or her as you walk down the trade show aisle. You point him or her out to your colleagues, trying to not let him see you as you do. You let out a nervous laugh as you pass his/her trade show display -  what if they try to talk to you?

He or she is "that guy(or gal)," and they're doing trade shows all wrong.

Here are eight things you and the other trade show attendees are saying about "that guy":

1.  "Why did that guy/gal even come to the show?" They're typing on their computer, talking on their cell phone, texting on their smartphone - basically doing everything in their booth, except engaging with attendees. They shouldn't be doing things they would normally do back at his office; they should be working the show.

2.  "What did that guy/gal just say to me?" Starting a conversation with a stranger in the aisle takes a delicate touch. But there are offensive booth staffers who still think it's okay to obviously read a person's badge and say, "Hey Mike, how are you doing?" without realizing just how cheesy that sounds.

3.  "What does that guy's/gal's company do? If your exhibit graphics don't make it clear what products you sell and what value you bring to your customers, then trade show attendees (who are already short on time and overstimulated) are not going to take the time to find out.

4.  "Why is that guy's/gal's company at this show?" There are thousands of shows, whose attendees have various mixes of job titles, vertical markets, company sizes, and buying authority.  The guy who tries to sell products to attendees who are not a good fit can stand out for the wrong reason.

5.  "When did that guy/gal last get a haircut?" From a bad haircut to a rumpled suit to a pair of scratched-up shoes, poorly groomed booth staffers can look more like the guy/gal people want to cross the street to avoid than a person who you want to talk to. As a representative of your company's brand, it's up to you to look the part.

6.  "Why did that guy/gal give me that giveaway?" Trade show attendees want giveaways that are useful, fun, valuable, durable, and most of all, relevant to their specific needs. But some "that guy/gal" exhibitors continue to foist unwanted trinkets to save a buck or in the flawed logic of "we've always done it that way."

7.  "What year did that guy's/gal's trade show booth come from?" Some guy's/gal's booths look like they should be on The Antiques Road Show, instead of at their industry trade show. Don't be the guy/gal with a trade show booth that attendees confuse with an artifact, or an escapee from a time machine.

8.  "Why didn't that guy/gal call me after last year's show?" If you put all your energies into getting leads at the show, but don't follow up on them after the show, you've broken your promise to your booth visitors.They'll remember that next year and skip your booth.

So while you may not be "that guy/gal" with a comb-over hairstyle or the loud cell-phone talker at a restaurant, you still don't want to be "that guy/gal" at trade shows. Instead, demonstrate class, intelligence and market-savvy to your trade show visitors, so they recognize that you're actually a good person to meet - and even do business with.

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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.