How to Get the Most Out of Attending a Trade Show

Trade shows are a cornerstone of the property management industry, offering invaluable opportunities to network, discover new technologies, and gain insights into the latest industry trends. Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or preparing for your first show, having a game plan can help you maximize the value of your experience. This guide breaks down the best practices for attending a trade show—before, during, and after the event—so you can walk away with meaningful connections and actionable insights for your business.

Before the Trade Show: Preparation is Key

Research the Trade Show

Not all trade shows cater to the same audience. Some attract C-suite executives, while others are more geared toward maintenance technicians or leasing agents. Before committing to an event, research the attendee demographics to ensure the show aligns with your goals.

A few questions to consider:

• What type of attendees will be there?
• Does the show focus on a specific niche like multifamily, manufactured housing, or PropTech?
• What sessions, speakers, and vendors are on the agenda?

Set Clear Goals

Understanding what you want to get out of the trade show will shape how you approach your time there. Are you hoping to discover new property management software solutions? Meet with current vendors? Network with prospects? Clarify your objectives early to help prioritize sessions and meetings.

Use Event Apps

Many trade shows now offer dedicated mobile apps that provide schedules, floor maps, and attendee directories. Download the app as soon as it’s available to start planning your days and connecting with other attendees. Use filters to flag must-see sessions and bookmark vendors you want to visit.

Schedule Meetings in Advance

If there are specific people you’d like to meet, reach out ahead of time to schedule one-on-one meetings. Trade shows are busy environments, and securing time with key contacts before the event increases your chances of having meaningful conversations.

Pack Strategically

Trade shows often involve long days and a lot of walking. Comfortable shoes, portable chargers, business cards, and reusable water bottles are must-haves. It’s also a good idea to bring a few snacks to stay fueled between sessions.

During the Trade Show: Making the Most of Your Time

Walk the Entire Exhibit Hall

Even if you’ve planned out which vendors you want to visit, take time to walk the entire floor. You may stumble across innovative solutions or companies you hadn’t considered in your pre-show research.

Engage with Current Vendors

If suppliersyou already work with have a booth, stop by and introduce yourself. Building personal relationships can help you secure better support, learn about upcoming product updates, and potentially gain access to exclusive offers.

Network in Formal and Informal Settings

Networking isn’t limited to the exhibit hall. Many shows host social events, coffee breaks, and happy hours—prime opportunities to make new connections in a more relaxed environment. Even casual chats at the hotel bar or coffee shop can lead to valuable introductions.

Pro Tip: Ask new contacts, “Who else at the show would you recommend I talk to?” This can help you expand your network quickly.

Attend Educational Sessions

Industry panels and breakout sessions are great for expanding your knowledge and staying ahead of emerging trends. Prioritize seminars that align with your business goals, and don’t hesitate to ask questions or engage with speakers afterward.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

Trade shows can be physically and mentally demanding. Drink plenty of water, take breaks when needed, and consider taking Vitamin C or immune boosters to help fend off post-show fatigue.

After the Trade Show: Turning Connections into Value

Follow Up—But Not Right Away

After the show, give new connections a few days to catch up on work before reaching out. A thoughtful follow-up message one week after the event will stand out more than an immediate email.

When following up, reference something specific from your conversation to jog their memory and suggest a concrete next step, such as scheduling a meeting or sharing a resource.

Organize Your Notes

Sort through your notes, business cards, and brochures while the information is still fresh. Create a list of action items—whether it’s researching a new vendor, signing up for a demo, or connecting with someone on LinkedIn.

Share Insights with Your Team

Bring value back to your organization by sharing what you learned at the show. Host a brief meeting or write up a summary of key takeaways that could benefit your team.

Connect on Social Media

If the trade show used an event hashtag, post a recap of your experience on your preferred social media platform and tag any new connections or vendors you interacted with. This helps reinforce your network and signals your active participation in the industry.

Conclusion

Attending a trade show as a property manager is the perfect opportunity to build relationships, explore solutions that can improve your operations, and stay on top of industry trends. With the right preparation and mindset, you can transform a few days out of the office into a wealth of long-term value for your business.