SOLAR TODAY Blog

By Liz Merry
SOLAR TODAY "Ask Liz" Columnist

Intersolar North America provides one of the largest expo opportunities. With three huge floors and 570 booths of solar technology and services to browse, how is a solar professional to use his or her time effectively?

 While Intersolar is a current example, these expo navigation tips should apply to any major conference.

 First, set a couple of goals. What are you hoping to get out of this event? Trying to meet a particular person? Research a particular segment of the industry? Size up your competitors? Get up to speed on the latest policies, economics, or regulatory changes?

 Second, set yourself to "listening mode."  Conferences are full of experts and sales people who are there to share their opinions and information. Act like a sponge, not a megaphone.

 Third, get organized. Even if the expo pass is free, your time and travel is an investment. Review the conference guide ahead of time to understand all the offerings available.  For Intersolar attendees, page 40 of the main conference guide describes the "Information Exchange" sessions available to expo pass holders. This is an impressive list of content and speakers. Review it closely to find key topics and/or presenters that fit with your conference goals. 

 If you're a job seeker, most conferences will have career centers. If you are new to your job search, this is a good place to read job descriptions and peruse people's resumes (if posted) to get ideas about content and formatting for your own resume. Plan to access any on-site career counselors and/or attend any workshops offered.

If you already understand the industry a bit and know what segment and job title you're targeting, you'll probably want to spend your time talking to people who are in that job. The expo, lunch areas, and expo-related presentations are a good place to meet people who have the kind of job you are after.

If you're an information/business consultant, staying on top of the latest trends and technology takes time. Attending an expo is like trying to consume an elephant on a toothpick. Pick your business segments carefully (e.g., materials, modules, suppliers, integrators, service providers, etc...), and scope out where they are located before diving in.

If your customers are represented at expo booths, make sure you're approaching the right person. It is unusual for decision-makers to staff a booth, but booth staff are an invaluable source of information about how decisions are made in the company, who to talk to and insights about company priorities.

If you are buying on behalf of your company or client, the same principal applies as if you are selling. Make sure you're getting information about terms and pricing from knowledgeable staff. Also, see if the potential provider can point you to a company - or preferably a particular person attending the conference - that has purchased the potential provider's service or product and can recommend them.

Watch out for expo stuff. I like expos stuff; I still have cool schwag from years ago. But it's easy to find yourself carrying 20 pounds of junk around, along with a box of high-gloss brochures. Limit yourself to a few trinkets, and when you hit your limit, begin "trading up" if you find better items.

If you find an item you really like and have an audience for it back home (e.g., you teach classes or have a staff that could use it), wait until a few hours before the expo ends and you will have plenty of booth staffers eager to give you their remaining giveaways, rather than ship the stuff back to their own company.

Business cards are a must. Have plenty available, and when you take a card, remember to jot down a note on the back to remind yourself where you met the person and the context of why you took the card. I print a tiny form on the back of my cards so the recipient can remember to jot down notes as well. Finally, use CardScan to make data management simpler when you get home.

Do you have your own expo tips? Share them in the comments section below. Here's wishing you an effective and enjoyable expo!