Plan ahead, reflect for trade show seasons

By the time this prints, I’ll have been to most of the winter trade shows that I plan to attend. I’ll be tired, happy and invigorated with the new year and the new products I’ve seen.

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I should admit something up front. I’m one of those weird people who likes to go to trade shows. I love being one of the first people to see new products. I enjoy meeting people and taking a glimpse into their lives. There’s just one downside. I dislike traveling, especially in winter. If I could travel the “I Dream of Jeannie” method, I’d attend every nursery and greenhouse trade show around the world.

It’s not that I dislike flying. I just hate the travel part of it -- arriving early at the airport, standing in line behind people who never travel who don’t know the rules and waiting out delays (mechanical, weather or otherwise).

It seems even worse when you drive somewhere on a schedule in wintertime. (As a kid, I was infamous -- and often scolded -- for the repetitive “Are we there yet?” mantra.) All of my life, it seems I’ve loved the destination, but hated the journey.

Trade show lessons

So, now that you’re home, what did you learn this winter? Hopefully, you’ve returned with many new ideas to invigorate your business, motivate your employees and make a lot more money while saving on the bottom line.

Me, I’m a planner. Before I even leave Texas, I have a list of who I want to definitely see for each show. I also have a wish list of people who I want to meet. I try to know where they all are and where their booths are located.

I also print out a listing and map for each trade show before I leave. I like to make sure I know where I’m going before I get there, especially if I’ve not attended that show before.

Probably the most important planning step that I undertake is a scan of all of the educational seminars and keynotes that are available at each trade show. Speaking from experience, CENTS has one of the best educational programs for nursery growers and garden centers. This’ll be my first year at the ANLA Management Clinic, and looking at its lineup is a dream. I’m sure it’s everything it’s cracked up to be. I can’t wait.

I am also always on the prowl for new plants, products and breeders. I like to be the first to see something and to touch it.

Food makes friends

One of the best parts of being on the road is that I rarely eat alone. Trade shows are one of the best places for catching up with people from other parts of the country and for eating. Breaking bread together strengthens bonds between people.

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If you see me at a show (winter or summer), be sure to stop me and introduce yourself. And maybe we can share tips that we’ve learned over coffee.

- Jyme Mariani