Business expos and exhibits are essentially just large business conferences and trade shows. They’re the perfecting networking event for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and startups who want to start their own business. If you’re a small business owner, then you might want to attend a San Ramon, California event for business owners such as yourself.
There are plenty of business events coming up in San Ramon. Some of those include the Business Expo and Mixer at the Bridges Golf Club, Business Builder Bootcamp, and #WOW19 with SocialSurvey.
The Perfect Accommodations
There are several San Ramon hotels that are located near these expos. No matter which event you attend, you should book a room at one that’s close by. Not only will it be more convenient, but you’ll also be around other people attending the expo; it’s a great opportunity to continue networking or attend informal meetups after the expo closes.
The Hyatt House San Ramon, located near Bishop Ranch, is positioned well for you to attend any of these expos. It has plenty of ample features such as kitchenettes, separate living and sleeping areas, and pull-out sofa beds. As a business professional, you’ll feel as if you’re enjoying the comforts of home.
The Extended Stay America San Ramon is well-liked by longer-term travelers. If you’ll be working out of San Ramon for more than a few days, you’ll love this hotel’s suites with fully-equipped kitchens and large amounts of work space.
In the meantime, the following tips on how to make the most out of a San Ramon expo.
Create a Goal & Strategy
Before you attend any of the above-mentioned events, there are some standard things you should do. First, know your reason for attending any of these events. You may already have this answer in mind, but make sure to revisit this question. What problems do you want to solve? Coming up with a clear goal and strategy can help you prioritize your time and attention.
Once you have your business goals or pain points in mind, look over the exhibitor list as soon as you receive it. Determine which companies will be attending. Come up with a list of 5 or 10 vendors that you want to talk to. Some expos will even release the floor map on the website ahead of time, allowing you to map out your plan.
Find the Right Balance
There are three ways to make the most out of a business expo. By attending info sessions and seminars, checking out vendors on your list, or walking around to see what you find. It’s good to strike a balance between all three, but invest your time into one. Do you want to check out the speakers? Or, are you more interested in talking to vendors?
If you’re not sure which to emphasize, it’s a good idea to start with the speakers. Determine your must-see info sessions and speakers and include them in your schedule. Then branch out from there. Don’t forget to make time for the info sessions and vendors you want to network with.
And don’t forget to schedule some downtime. It can be easy to forget that you need to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner and need to take several breaks throughout the day.
Find out the available food offerings so you know if you need to leave the expo to eat. From the moment you arrive, determine where the bathrooms are located, if they have benches or rest areas, and the best ways to get in and out of the event.
Schedule Time for Meetings
If you know who you want to talk to, then it’s time to schedule a one-on-one meeting with them. Expos can be loud and filled with distractions. It can be so overwhelming that you lose your focus. Reach out to a few vendors on your list and schedule some face-to-face time with them. It’ll help you determine who’s the perfect fit when you’re away from the crowd.
Maintain Existing Connections
While most business professionals attend expos to find something new, it’s always to best to connect with the vendors that you already know. Find out if they’re working on any new projects. This is the perfect time to determine if they’re still the right fit for your business and establish a relationship by connecting face-to-face.
Don’t Be Afraid to Socialize
While you’re there for business, you shouldn’t be afraid to socialize. Business exhibits are the perfect place to network and make new connections. You can choose to find recommendations or meet people within your industry. Sometimes business expos have guest speakers who also attend nearby social events, which gives you the opportunity to gain insight from these industry leaders that you wouldn’t at a large event.
If you’re attending any of these business expos in San Ramon this year, these tips can help you make the most out of your experience. Business expos don’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming to attend.