How Do You Prepare for a Trade Show?

I get a catalog and look at what classes and workshops will be offered. I make a list of the ones I want to attend, with times and fees and then set my schedule. I also check with fellow local nail techs and those from BeautyTech to see who is going and see what meeting opportunities are going to take place. Pack my bags, kiss the hubby and kids, and off I go. – Ruth Windsor, Angelic Nails, Garden City, Mich.

I start by making a list of all of the products that I need. I go through NAILS and look over all the new products that I’m interested in seeing. I also check out the classes being offered and plan my day around them. I go shopping for a great outfit that is comfortable and that I can wear with comfy shoes. –Darlene Feric, Escape Nail Spa, Antioch, Ill.

I start preparing for a show about two months in advance. I make a list of things I need to take — this in­cludes toiletries, clothes, phone card, business cards, batteries, film, etc. I check my clothes and comfortable shoes I need and go shopping if I am not adequately supplied. –Genie Weber, The Nail Room & Spa, Wetumpka, Ala.

First I think about my feet. Do I have a good pair of shoes? That always comes to mind first because I may be on my feet for two days or more. If the show is not local I look into airfare, and then I look for a roommate. If I am teaching or judging my wardrobe is the next thing on my agenda. I get a show program and set up a schedule so that I can make the most out of my time. I note the location of demos I want to see on the floor plan so that I can find them easily. –Sheryl Goldberg, Trisha’s, Wheeling, Ill.

I make sure my nails are “the bomb” and let my clients know two weeks ahead of time that I will be away. I get my finances in order so that I can try different nail products that I have not sampled before. –Michelle Smith, Nail Creations, Raleigh, N.C.