posted on: 06/05/2023
By: Liz Kline
Oh, the excitement a trade show can bring! No matter if it’s a local show or one you’re traveling to, it’s exciting to learn, explore, and get the most out of your time. Having been to many trade shows and having made rookie mistakes along the way, I want to share with you how to make the most out of your time and get the biggest bang for your buck.
Choose the Right Shows
Decide which shows you want to attend. There are many out there to choose from, but narrowing down which ones benefit you the most will make the experience more rewarding. If you want to focus on hair for example, shows like America’s Beauty Show or Premiere Shows will provide education, the newest trends, demonstrations, and cash-and-carry products and tools at a discount.
Maximize Your Education
This is a biggie! Many states require CEU’s for cosmetology or barber license renewal. Trade shows offer a great opportunity to get that continuing education done in person. They sometimes offer education geared toward students. Visit the website of the shows you want to attend, and look under the education, speakers, or education tabs to see a list of what classes they offer. Most shows will have 2–3 days of education, so make a list of what you’d like to attend to get the most out of your time there. Visit Associated Hair Professional’s (AHP) discount page for a list of trade show discounts you can get just by being a member of AHP.
Stock Up on Tools and Products
If you are looking to stock up on supplies, make sure you have extra bags, a suitcase, roller bags, or whatever will be easiest for you to haul your goodies around the trade show floor. Many companies that exhibit at trade shows also give out freebies so you can try their products—make sure you have room to take home these extra goodies as well.
Dress Comfortably
Wear comfortable shoes. I cannot stress this enough. Your feet will thank you at the end of the day if you go for comfort over fashion. Most shows are in large convention centers, and you can easily walk many miles in just one day.
Know What to Expect
Bring snacks and a water bottle. Most trade shows have concession stands or a food court. But if you aren’t looking to spend a lot on a bottle of water or a soft pretzel, bring some snacks like trail mix or granola bars and a refillable water bottle.
Expect to spend money. Trade shows often charge for registration, daily or three-day tickets, and some classes. This can set you back anywhere from $250 to $900. Your total cost depends on what show you attend and, in some cases, where you stay. Do your research to know what day(s) you want to attend, if the classes you want to go to cost money, what the travel expenses are, and which shows fit your needs and budget.
When in doubt, try it out. Attending a trade show can seem overwhelming to some and that’s OK. But know that it will be worth it in the end. This is a chance to network with people in your industry and develop professional relationships that grow your personal and professional brand. Trade shows are a fun way to get inspired, invest in products and tools, experience increased brand awareness, and maybe even get new business.
Interested in learning more? Access the Access AHP's Tradeshow and Events to find the trade show or event in your area best suited to your needs or build a network with industry experts nationwide.
For more useful tools to help advance your career and knowledge, join AHP. We offer members best in class liability insurance, on-demand education, free online scheduling, a subscription to AHP Indie Stylist magazine, Career Toolkits, and more!
Join today and get access to all the benefits we offer to support you and your career as a barber or cosmetologist.