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10 tips to feel informed, inspired and ready to implement
By Jayne Scarman, Head of Marketing at Unique IQ
Attending an exhibition or conference can be a big commitment for a care provider. It’s a day out of the business, detached from the day-to-day running of the organisation and potentially out of contact with your team (depending on the WIFI and mobile coverage in some of those huge conference centres…)
But it’s also a fantastic opportunity to gain a fresh perspective and pick-up some new ideas. A day to breathe, to reflect and to feel inspired, so that you return to the office recharged (if a little sore around the toes).
Here are our ten top tips for making the most out of your time at a home care exhibition.
1. Set an objective
Decide ahead of time what you want to get out of the exhibition. Are you there to learn about changes in CQC regulatory rules? Do you want to hear about some best practice for looking after your team’s wellbeing? Or are you in the market for new software? Identify your “why” – your reason for going – and it will help you stay focused during the day.
2. Make a list
Next, make a list of everyone you want to see when you’re at the exhibition. Highlight the show guide, print off a ‘to see’ list or pop it into the notes on your phone. Just make sure you can tick off your list as you go along and it’ll keep you on track.
Bonus tip: If you’re attending the Residential & Home Care Show this April, you can download the event app and build your own schedule, including connecting with the people you’d like to meet.
3. Do some background research
If your objective is to source a new supplier or product, make sure you do some background research on the companies you want to speak to before you go. This will help you identify which companies you are most keen to meet (in case time is short) and will give you a good place to start a meaningful conversation from.
4. Think of some questions
Likewise, think about 3-5 key questions you want to ask each supplier. What information will help you start to narrow down your search and highlight whether a product might be right for your care business? It’ll help you maximise your time at the show.
Bonus tip: Here are some good questions to ask software suppliers to get you started.
5. Choose some talks
All of the major home care exhibitions have a programme of talks and seminars, many of which are CPD-accredited. Take a look through the agenda before you go so you can make space in your schedule to listen in on some of the topics that are most important to your care business. It’ll also give you a chance to put your feet up for a while.
6. Plan in some pit stops
Talking of which, make sure you leave a little space in your packed itinerary for a sit down. You’d be amazed how many steps you get in walking around an exhibition hall and with all the information available it can be a lot to take in. Make sure you plan some time to grab a coffee or a spot of lunch. As well as being a moment to recharge, it can also be an ideal time to reflect on what you’ve learnt so far.
7. Take notes
And a pit stop is also a good opportunity to make some notes! Make sure you jot down your main thoughts and learnings from the day – even if that’s on the train home. Chances are you’ll have forgotten a lot of it by the time you get back to your desk so make sure you capture all that good stuff.
8. Meet up with friends
If there are people in your network who you know are going to be at the exhibition, make a bit of time to see them. Perhaps grab a coffee and chat about who you’ve seen so far, what’s not to be missed and things that are a hard pass… It can be a great way of sharing learnings and getting around everything on show, even if you can’t do it all in person.
9. Follow-up afterwards
Don’t be afraid to get in touch with the suppliers you met or speakers you listened to after the show. They’ll be delighted to hear from you and keen to chat more about what you’re looking for.
10. Throw in a wildcard
A home care exhibition is a day out of your usual schedule, so why not mix it up and try something you wouldn’t normally do. Perhaps attend a talk on a subject you haven’t really considered before. Or take part in a game on one of the stands. Or even watch the recording of a LIVE podcast. You might just surprise yourself!
Bonus tip: Wear something with pockets
Exhibitions can be hot, sweaty places with a lot of bumping into people, shaking hands and stuff to carry around. So whenever I’m deciding on what to wear to an exhibition, I always start with something with pockets. And comfy shoes of course.
