There I was at PRI, with a poncho-sized map and a dream

Big event on the horizon–like a MegaCon or some annual trade show? Learn from my adventure.

There I was at the Indiana Convention Center for the PRI trade show, one of the only women as far as the eye could see, and I had only three goals in mind: Find cool stories, make new connections, and load up on as many free things as my carry-on could handle.

While I like to think I am pretty directionally savvy, the 566,600-square-foot convention center quickly crushed that idea. The morning of my first day at PRI was a train wreck with me getting completely and utterly lost almost anytime I left our booth.

Eventually I caved and grabbed one of those paper maps that PRI gives out.

As I settled into a table, I unfolded it not once, not twice, but 12 times. This map was so colossal that I probably could have used it as a poncho.

That was the moment someone nearby mentioned an app–they really do have apps for everything nowadays. This app, PRI's My Show Planner, became my saving grace. Booth numbers, seminar times and that massive map were now available in the palm of my hand.

Now whenever I go to an event, I keep an eye out for an associated app–save myself the hassle of a poncho map.

But don’t just go in blind hoping an app or a map will save you. Create an agenda for anything you plan to be at.

Before I attended PRI, I went online and created a digital agenda of everything I wanted to do and see. Another bonus? I was able to have the agenda transferred over to the app.

My agenda let me plan my booth visits, meeting times and goodie hunting–what can I say, I’m a sucker for dope free stickers. (I have standards.)

One thing that I recommend incorporating into any event schedule? Seminars and panels if they’re available.

Attending seminars isn’t just about sitting there and listening. It’s about absorbing the information and figuring out ways to apply the things you learn. Take notes, ask questions and after it's over, see if you can talk with others in the seminar and the speakers one on one.

I personally attended four different seminars during PRI, most focused on marketing, promotion and sponsorship building. Right now, my notebook sits chock-full of information and guidance that I’m able to bring back to GRM and even apply within my role at SAE Florida.

But a notebook full of tips and tricks isn’t all I gained.

A big selling point during almost every seminar I attended at PRI? When you start a conversation, be aware of your motive.

Are you simply trying to sell? Get a free sticker? Or are you trying to make a long-lived connection to grow your network?

These are questions that you should ask yourself at every event you attend this new year.

Whether you’re an exhibitor or attendee, don’t just go straight into a sales pitch. That’s when most people will turn on their smile and nod as if on autopilot. Taking the time to try and learn about a person and their career are two connection points that truly make a difference between a five-minute conversation you won’t remember by lunch and a new connection for life.

I spoke to maybe 80 or so people during PRI, but how many conversations do I fully remember without looking at business cards? Maybe 10. But I know those 10 will be the people I bring with me into 2025 and beyond.

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