AWFS Fair is the biggest woodworking show in North America this year, and that presents a similarly big challenge to attendees. Here are 10 tips to steer you in the right direction.

1. Have a plan.
You can’t just show up and expect to see and do everything. Comedian Woody Allen might have said, “80% of success in life is just showing up,” but you’ll get more laughs if you think you can successfully cover the show that way. 

Instead, have a plan. Decide who you want to see, what you want to learn, what you are thinking of buying, and who you want to meet or talk to well before the show. Then develop a solid plan and schedule to do all of them. 

2. Be strategic.
Grab the show map and plot a strategy for what order you want to do everything. You’ll want to organize as many of your booth visits or appointments in a logical order as possible. See where all of your target booths are, then plan to see them in order. Your feet will thank you!

3. Wear comfortable shoes!
This is really important. You are going to be on your feet all day walking from booth to booth. In past years, I’ve personally logged more than 30,000 steps while walking the show. 

4. Pack a bag
A corollary to wearing comfortable shoes is to make sure you have something to carry literature and samples that you might pick up around the show. Many exhibitors offer tote bags, which are handy, but a small, empty backpack is easier on your body. 

If you are the kind who really likes to fill up on brochures and samples, you might even consider a roller bag or folding cart. If you have any kind of disability that affects your movement, consider renting one of the electric scooters available at the show.

5. Schedule your time.
The show floor is only open to attendees from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, through Thursday, July 24, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 25. There are also symposia and workshops from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, July 21. Sit down with the schedule and your list of targeted things you want to accomplish. Then start filling out your calendar.

It’s best to start with educational programs because they have fixed time slots. Then, put down your own scheduled appointments, trying to keep them physically close together to limit long walks. Next, you want to allow time for meals, and evening networking opportunities. Many companies and associations host receptions and dinners that are great opportunities for face-to-face communication.

6. Make education a priority.
AWFS offers a huge number of educational opportunities, from all day workshops and symposia, to shorter panel discussions and speakers. Check the education schedule and see what speakers and topics have the most value for you and your business.

Too many people attending AWFS focus only on the exhibitor booths and don’t take advantage of education offerings. These are great chances to get first-hand instruction from experts and for you to ask important questions to get the answers you need to move your business forward. 

7. Networking.
The AWFS Fair is prime opportunity for you to expand your network and to have face-to-face interactions with peers and experts who potentially can help you solve your problems or expand your business. Too many shop owners spend so much time in the shop that they never get out to connect with people other than their co-workers and employees. 

Associations are probably the leading tool for networking. Most industry associations will have booths at the show. If you are not a member, sign up. If you are a member, hang out at the booth for a bit and meet other members. Don’t forget to attend receptions and dinners. The people you meet could become lifetime friends and assets for your business success. 

8. Use your phone.
That powerful computer in your pocket, your cell phone, is a wonderful show tool. Download the show app. Schedule your appointments. Set reminders. Take pictures of key items. Scan QR codes. Make notes. Connect with contacts throughout the show.

How did we ever get along without these tools?! I have a vague recollection of what it was like to attend a show without a cell phone, but I would never go back to that. 

9. Prepare to buy.
If you are coming to the show to shop for machinery, software, or services, do some homework before you come. If shopping for machinery, find out in advance if the vendor will have the machine you are interested in at the show, powered up, and ready to demonstrate. Inquire about show specials. Many exhibitors would be delighted to ship their floor samples directly to you after the show rather than bringing them back to their showroom.

If you plan to buy a big ticket item requiring financing, do your due diligence before the show. Get prequalified from a lender. Figure out what you really can afford. Talk to your accountant about tax implications, lease or buy options, and research additional costs. That includes things like tooling, accessories, rigging, shipping, dust collection, and training that add to the total cost. A prepared buyer is a smart buyer.

10. Be open to surprises.
I have never been to a big show where I didn’t see or learn something new and totally unexpected. Serendipity is a wonderful thing and one of the most important reasons to attend a show like AWFS Fair. 

Online searches return results based only on the keywords you put in. Walking a big trade show gives you the chance to run into something totally surprising that was not on your search list.

Some of those surprises could be life changing. You could meet new people or learn about a new technique or technology. You could discover new products, maybe even a whole new product line you could offer. Something you see could change long-held opinions and send you in an entirely new direction. That’s worth the price of admission all by itself.

For information or to register for the AWFS Fair, visit AWFSFair.org.