Trade Show Attendee Checklist
Make the most out of attending Outdoor Retailer trade shows with our attendee checklist.
Whether you’re a first-time attendee, or you’ve been going to Outdoor Retailer for years, the show can be a lot to take in. With just a few days on the trade show floor, you want to make the most of your visit and get as much value out of it for your business. And like any outdoor expedition, being prepared makes the journey of discovery so much easier.
Our trade show checklist makes it easy for you to plan and get the most out of your time while you’re in Salt Lake City.
The Outdoor Retailer Attendee Checklist
Before the Show
Set Clear Goals for Attending
Maybe you’re a specialty retailer trying to find new trail running shoes to add to your shelves. Or maybe there’s a key education seminar on conservation you want to listen to. Knowing your specific goals for attending Outdoor Retailer helps narrow your focus on the needs for your business. It could be discovering new products, attending education sessions, or networking to meet new industry partners.
Research Exhibitors
There are hundreds of exhibitors on the show floor across different show areas. Researching exhibitors ahead of time can help you build a strategy for who you’ll meet with over the days at the show.
Pack Strategically
The Salt Palace Convention Center is a big space. Plan to spend 2-3 full days out on the show floor by wearing comfortable shoes for walking (trail shoes are our personal favorites), bring a backpack to carry materials and business cards, and a layer in case it gets a little chilly on the show floor.
Optimize Your Online Presence
Set the best first impression for any exhibitors you meet at the show. Make sure your business website, your LinkedIn profile, and your business social media are all up to date with activity.
During the Show
Stay Fueled and Hydrated
You wouldn’t go out on an alpine hike or a trail run without any fuel. The same goes for attending Outdoor Retailer. Make sure to stay hydrated, pack some snacks, or visit the food trucks for lunch and stay fueled up.
Master the Show Floor
Study the floor plan and event schedule for the show so you know where specific exhibitors are and what events are planned. You can use OR + ODI Match to review everything on the go.
Meet our Buyer Relations Team
Think of the OR & ODI Buyer Relations team like your own personal mountain guides. They will help you get familiar with the show floor, give brand recommendations on who you should meet, and connect you with the right people. They’ll even walk the show floor with you. Contact them here to get started.
Network Like a Pro
Have good conversations with exhibitors, attend industry events and happy hours, and meet as many people as you can to build your network and form partnerships. Don’t forget your business cards!
Capture Critical Details
Take notes during the education sessions, collect product samples or brochures, and collect any important items or details about brands or products you’re interested in. All of these will help you make decisions and find ways you can grow your business.
Give Yourself Time to Explore
While having a list and schedule for who and what you want to see when you attend the show is important, it’s equally important to give yourself time to explore. With hundreds of brands on the show floor across all different show areas, allow some time for just browsing the show floor. You never know what outdoor products you might discover or what connections you could make!
After the Show
Follow Up Promptly
Now that you’re back from the show, it’s time to keep the conversations going! Reach out to any brands, buyers, media, or other attendees you met. It’s important to establish connections and foster new business partnerships so you can grow your outdoor business or improve your product development.
Take Time to Analyze Your Findings
Think about everything you saw at Outdoor Retailer and how it impacts your business. Maybe you found a new pair of hiking pants that will round up your product offerings. Or maybe you found a new type of buckle to finish the prototype of a new backpack you’re developing. Going over your findings at the show can help you make the right decisions for your business.
Share Your Experience.
Talk with your retail team or product development team about your show experience. Sharing ideas and collaborating is how your business and the industry thrives. Don’t forget to share your experience on your social media to connect with other attendees and provide your insights to the industry.
Like summitting a mountain peak, every expedition takes time and preparation. Use this checklist to be the most prepared when you attend Outdoor Retailer and make the most of your time at the trade show.
Interested in Attending? Register here for Outdoor Retailer.