Many dental conferences include an exhibit hall aspect. I have experienced exhibits big and small, and I absolutely love this part of any dental conference. Exhibit halls are your opportunity to sample new products, learn, network, and gain more resources to bring back to your job position.
Exhibit halls can sometimes be intimidating, as much is happening and a lot of communication needs to occur. When I began attending conference exhibit halls, I would simply go up to booths and talk to the reps. It may surprise those who know me, but I was super shy. However, dental hygiene and networking have brought me out of my shell.
I have said it before, and I’ll say it again: Networking is so important. I have made lifelong friends just from networking. By doing this, you may learn something new or find a new resource to reach out to.
I have become a master at obtaining dental hygiene samples, but it’s easiest and more efficient if you are organized and have a plan. Below are eight considerations for your game plan.
1) Create a list of certain products, manufacturers, or companies you absolutely want to visit
Your list can serve as a rough idea of the booths you do not want to miss or forget to stop by. A list will prevent you from missing out on a special promotion, giveaway, learning something new, or testing a new product.
2) Review the exhibit hall map beforehand
Conferences and continuing education events now have a big online presence, so be sure to check their websites and social media pages. A quick glance at the map can help you avoid walking around in circles when trying to find specific booths.
3) Use the conference’s mobile app
Many larger conferences offer mobile apps that allow you to view the exhibit hall and select the booths you want to visit. These apps also include event and course information, such as room numbers.
4) Scan QR codes and business cards
Collecting a company’s or individual’s business cards allows you to follow up with further questions, to get more information, or to continue the conversation. However, more conferences are going paperless, and some people may not even have physical business cards.
I’ve seen individuals using QR codes for you to scan to share contact information, promotions, or product resources. You could do this yourself, too. Creating your own QR code would save you the cost of purchasing business cards and prevent them from being lost when you travel. QR codes can be printed out, found right on your phone, or in other creative ways, such as a keychain.
5) Be open to visiting new booths
Of course, I have my go-to booths, but it never stops there. There is always something new in dentistry, so why not continue to evolve your career and abilities? That brand new thing could be the next big thing you use at your job!
6) Do not be afraid to ask
This may involve asking a rep at the booth a question or asking to take a sample or swag from the table. The promotional items are typically there for attendees, so do not feel bad about asking to take one
However, do ask questions about their products, conference specials, research on their products, or advice on using them in practice. I have spoken to many individuals working booths who have said that some people just grab a handful of whatever is on their table and run off.
7) Be polite to the representatives working the booths
This tip may seem obvious, but it’s worth being mindful of. For example, be patient and wait for a rep to finish their presentation to someone else before grabbing products and then leaving. Alternatively, allow the rep to give you their quick product presentation. Otherwise, you may not have the complete information needed to gain a full understanding and move the conversation forward.
Also, keep in mind that some reps may not have firsthand clinical experience as dental professionals. They are in the dental sales/promotion space and are constantly learning about our field and world.
8) Talking to reps at the booth equals networking
I have met so many amazing people by walking up to their booths. This is also a great chance for job searching. By doing this, I have built up my professional network. Networking is one of my favorite parts of the exhibit halls!
In Closing
These strategy tips can be helpful for those who want to be very efficient with their time or may only have a limited amount of time to visit the exhibit hall. It is definitely okay to wing it, too. I am not saying to map out every single second you are on the exhibit hall floor, but have a rough idea of which booths you want to visit and where they are located.
Sometimes, walking up to a booth and not knowing what to do next can be intimidating. It may feel awkward or uncomfortable, but it does help you grow. That’s what happened to me when I first entered the profession. Doing that has allowed me to break out of my shell.
You can take a lot away from visiting the booths, regardless of whether the exhibit hall is big or small. You will definitely take away something. I highly recommend planning some time out of your conference schedule to stop by the exhibit hall and, of course, get those free samples!
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