Whether you plan to exhibit or simply attend with your team in tow, trade shows offer unparalleled opportunities to reach potential clients, members of the media, industry leaders, strategic partners, key opinion leaders, vendors, and potential new-hires. Trade show successes can make or break a company, and a successful trade show can catapult a business to new levels of industry prominence.
Malynda Vigliotti, owner of Boom Boom Brow Bar in NYC and brow extraordinaire, knows a thing or two about trade shows. With IBS Las Vegas taking place next week, we asked her a few questions about her planning strategies, her favorite part of a trade show, and her advice to exhibitors and attendees.
When you're an educator at a trade show, how do you prepare?
MV: After all these years, I've gotten a handle on the prep. I break my classes down into a business segments so people can understand how easily my services can be added to their business model, and then a hands-on demo segment so attendees can put what they learned to use. I love teaching, I feel like it keeps me on my toes in the industry and allows me to share how excited I am about what I do.
What advice would you give to other educators?
MV: Don't be nervous! This is your peer group and they're hungry for information. Not to mention, everyone traveled and is genuinely excited to be there. They chose you, they took time out of their day to spend time with you, and they're there to learn from you!
From your perspective, what's the best part of a trade show?
MV: Walking the floor! I love the energy and I love to see what's new in our ever-changing industry.
From an attendee’s perspective, how would you advise them to get the most out of their show pass?
MV: Map out the classes you want to take in advance and take advantage of all the free education. You will go home with new tricks and tips and want to implement them as soon as possible.
If there's one thing you've learned from past trade shows, what is it?
MV: Wear comfortable shoes and be on your A-game. After all, it is a work trip, it just happens to be in a crazy place.
At this years IBS Las Vegas, Vigliotti will be teaching two classes: Brows That Wow and Learn the Art of Shaping Brows: The Perfect Add-On Service. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ibslasvegas.com