Getting the Most Out of the International Garage Door Exposition

Presented by Barbara KelkhoffThe Chamberlain Group

IDEA Immediate Past President

Getting the Most Out of Expo

Consider the International Garage Door Exposition as an investment, and set goals to earn a return!

Common Mistakes

• Hmm…which workshop should I attend now?

• Sitting with partner/spouse in the same workshops

• Attending the same workshop as last year• Not reading the workshop descriptions• Briskly walking the Exhibition Hall• Hanging out only with friends and

associates

Common Complaints

• There are too many scheduling conflicts on the workshop agenda

• There should be more repeated workshops

• I can’t attend all the workshops I want to attend

• I didn’t see anything new in the Exhibition Hall

What is Expo to the Dealer?

• Education• Entertainment• Recognition• Motivation• Market Research

Educational Workshops

Gaining the full benefit of the educational programming will give you an edge over your competition, if you take the right approach.

Getting the Most Out of Expo

• Identify your greatest needs and opportunities

• Prioritize and plan your schedule

Getting the Most Out of Expo

• Team up and split up• Take and compare notes

Getting the Most Out of Expo

• Treat workshops as an annual education

• Seek growth and new opportunities

• Speak up and ask questions

Getting the Most Out of Expo

Use what you learn when you get home!

The Exhibition Hall

Treat the Exhibition Hall as Market Research

Before Entering the Exhibit Hall…

• Review the list of exhibitors• Identify those you:

- Do business with

- Already know, but don’t do business with

- Don’t know much about

• Pre-plan for new business opportunities• Set personal goals to find new products

While in the Exhibition Hall…

• Bring a folder or notebook• Visit every exhibit• Ask “What’s New?”• Plan to spend both days

conducting your research

While in the Exhibit Hall…

• Team up and split up, if necessary• Take and compare notes• Leave time to back for follow-up• Get contact names and phone numbers• Use the information when you get back

home

Getting the Most Out of Expo

Don’t forget to have a great time!