Seasoned trade show visitors will tell you, turning a visit to a trade show into a success starts with setting out clear objectives and planning your time, but if you’re short on time, or this is your first trade show experience, here are a few hints that will help you make the most of your visit to the W Exhibition and Elements.
Get to grips with the floor plan
Pre-planning the stands you want to visit and the order you want to see them in will save you valuable time if you do this before you start to tour the halls. Grab a quick coffee on arrival and take a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the floor plan, prioritise the stands you want to visit and orientate yourself before heading off. It’s also worth leaving some free time in your day to explore stands not on your priority list and to visit the show’s brand-new interactive areas.
Pre-book machinery demonstrations
Keen to see a specific machine in action? Machinery and product demonstrations are readily available at the show but if you’re looking for a one-to-one demonstration with a specific machinery specialist or engineer, you can pre-book your demonstration on the show’s website before the exhibition opens its doors. Just fill in the online…
Think about what you want from a machinery demonstration
Even the most experienced buyers can get wowed by the latest technology but don’t forget to ask the right questions to make sure the product and seller are a good fit for your business. Does your potential supplier have service engineers on the road, or offer a direct link with specialists in the factory where the machine was made who can provide instant help if a breakdown occurs? Are spare parts readily available in the UK, or at short notice from overseas?
Is a warranty available that covers unforeseen stoppages, or does it come with a predictive maintenance system that alerts you to potential breakdowns? What training is provided and is this included in the installation package? Experts are on hand to help you make an informed decision, so don’t hold back.
Take advantage of show incentives
There are always deals to be done at trade shows and the W Exhibition and Elements are no exceptions. If you’ve already done your homework and know exactly what you’re looking for, watch out for special offers and exclusive show promotions that could benefit your business and save you money. But remember, these are only available during the show, so it’s best to act quickly if you don’t want to miss out.
Visit the drop-in clinics and workshops
Looking for advice and support on the latest legislation, health and safety, productivity, careers, education or apprenticeships? Then take advantage of the show’s confidential one-to-one drop-in sessions and group workshops and let our experts help you navigate your way around the industry’s rules and regulations. Book a time that suits you and view the workshop timetable in the Education Zone. You can find it in hall 6!
Support the industry
Embrace design and innovation in the furniture industry with the show’s Elements of Innovation Zone and the Elements of Innovation Awards. Open to visitors, you can see the shortlisted products in the dedicated Elements of Innovation Zone and you’ll be able to watch the announcement of the winners on Monday 1st October at 3pm in the Hranipex bar.
The W Exhibition and Elements will be taking place from the 30th September-3rd October 2018 at the NEC Birmingham.
