Here's how you can balance your personal life with trade show work demands.

At Bushbalm we work to plan our tradeshow schedule for the year at least 8 months ahead. This is key as you are going into the summer months and want to plan your holidays and more. Give your team ample time to plan and they will thank you for it!

Bend. Don’t Break: not everything goes as plans - weather permitting and on special occasions: mood -based participants can alter objectives . Be flexible and resourceful and above all take good notes in real-time and always have a co-pilot.

Especially focus on the volume and velocity of meetings. Don't just expect your customers to just walk by and engage with you. My friend @csanad always talks about the significance of planning

Manage time effectively, set boundaries, prioritize self-care. Include downtime in your schedule, delegate tasks, and communicate availability. Maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Here are some personal boundaries that I’ve set regarding self care and trade show/ corporate events , that have served me well over the years : - If possible, I try to fly in the day BEFORE an event to give myself breathing room before the push begins. Build in SPACE for yourself and be kind to you ! - If I do make it in early, I usually try to book myself a deep tissue massage or at least set aside time for the sauna, cold plunge or jacuzzi. A refreshed rep is an attentive rep. - After I imbibe a celebratory beer for the pre show dinner, I jump on the wagon. I cut myself off from any alcohol for the balance of the event. Why? Alcohol numbs the mind and blurs the senses. I have seen Professionals do stupid things over the years .

1. Inform your support network about your schedule and demands to manage expectations. 2. Delegate tasks and share responsibilities with your work team to ease pressure. 3. Open communication helps loved ones provide support when needed. 4. Mutual understanding and teamwork are key to balancing work and personal life. 5. Effective communication prevents burnout and promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Trade shows are intense! Long hours, travel, and being "on" constantly can wreak havoc on your personal life. The key for me? Communication. Letting family and friends know my schedule (and the crazy demands!) upfront sets expectations. They understand if I'm unreachable and can even celebrate my return! Same goes for work. Open communication with my team lets me delegate tasks and share responsibilities. Mutual understanding and teamwork make a HUGE difference. It's all about creating a support system, both at home and at work, that helps me navigate the craziness without sacrificing my personal life.

With over 100 trade shows under my belt, my mantra is simple: embrace an open mind. I actively seek opportunities by keeping my eyes and ears peeled, and I interact positively with everyone I meet. While a basic agenda ensures I prioritize key tasks, I remain flexible to capitalize on unexpected opportunities. This adaptability allows me to maximize the value of each trade show and consistently achieve positive outcomes.

While trade shows offer a powerful business tool, they're not for everyone. They demand intense extroversion, long hours, and pressure to constantly network. This can take a toll on mental well-being, especially for introverts. However, with thorough preparation, teamwork, and breaks for recharging, even introverts can contribute. If I thrive in fast-paced environments and enjoy the energy of events, I believe I can excel in a trade show setting.