How do you handle trade show fatigue and stress?

Trade shows are fantastic, but you need to be 100% on the ball as you will be representing the company. Ensure you are well prepped, have a schedule set and a checklist as if you're travelling you don't want to be forgetting anything. Also, if you're travelling by public transport - keep a check on live updates for any delays! Ensure that you have a strategy in place and a plan of execution when you reach your destination.

While trade shows are wonderful times to entertain clients, exhibitors, etc it is possibly the worst time to over-indulge in alcohol. I have other ideas about caffeine, and studies show direct links to concentration and focus as well as other key benefits from caffeine. Finally keep quick energy-giving snacks to grab throughout the day to fuel your body. Water, water, water! Balance caffeine with water intake. Get enough sleep, meditate if you find yourself overwhelmed find a 5- or 10-minute guided meditation. This is one secret I wish I’d learned earlier in my life.

It can be tough to achieve this when you're crunched for time, especially when trade shows are accompanied by a lot of travel. The Quick Fix? Google "Sensory Deprivation Tank near me" in your travels or when you're home. Spending 30 to 60 minutes in a tank can reenergize you for weeks, if not months. Several professional athletes and serial entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley swear by it, and I do too!

Being someone who has been caffeine free for several years, I find that if you are suffering from a slight drop then make sure you have a snack with you. Ensure that you are getting enough sleep beforehand and relaxing . whether your method of relaxing be going to the gym or going on a walk or reading- you need to unwind and cut loose for a certain period of time and give yourself time to recharge.

Out of the box thinkers revel in trade show management, the same can be said for exhibitors and attendees. If you’ve ever been in the middle of a trade show and an exhibitor loses their mind because they forgot their table and doesn’t want to rent one from your venue a quick trip to a nearby hardware or big box store can be the difference in losing or building a relationship with a client. If you are in management all you have to do is listen. Let your clients know their concerns are valid and show them you will go the extra mile to find a solution.

Get to know your exhibitors, you will solidify relationships; who doesn’t like spending a few days with a great friend? It will create passion for your trade show, long lasting working relationships and wonderful friendships.

Do not forget the vital importance of post-show activities to continue the momentum from the trade show. If you are an exhibitor, follow-up with the attendees who visited your booth and provide hard-copy or digital collateral that has been requested - sales brochures, price lists, distributors, etc. If nothing else, send an email to the booth visitor thanking them for stopping by. Attendees should send emails and messages to the new contacts they made and definitely, connect on LinkedIn (I am not being paid for that plug) ??

If you are an event marketer and you aren’t already doing these things, you have a lot to learn. These are basics and you will still be exhausted after. The best thing is to plan on 2-3 days off of pure rest after the show is over. No phones, no email, just good movies, good food, and lots of good sleep.