Trade shows can be fun and enlightening; much like attending a professional conference. Also like a conference, trade shows often include long days of meeting and greeting. In all of this mingling that is done at a trade show or conference, a person has several - sometimes hundreds - of encounters in which they will make a first impression. And as you know, you only get one chance to make it a good one!
Because of the sheer nature of a trade show, it is very important that the professional woman look the part. Meetings are brief and sometimes hurried. Everyone in attendance will meet many people and therefore make snappy judgments. Those initial judgments can make or break your opportunity to create a new working relationship. And, those initial judgments are based on what you are wearing and how you are wearing it.
First, let's look at what you are wearing. Trade shows are not always as formal as a work environment; but that doesn't mean that you show up in sweats and tennis shoes. What you wear to a trade show is reflective of the professional you hold and also a reflection of your company or business. This is true regardless of whether you are an attendee or an exhibitor. Many trade shows will offer a guideline for dress with their brochure or registration materials. If you are in doubt, ask around with others who have attended trade shows.
Most of the time, the attire at a trade show will be business casual. This means that you can lose the high heels and suits for a few days. However, you still want to be mindful of your wardrobe pieces. While you may not wear a suit, you will still want to wear comfortable slacks in lieu of your well-worn jeans. Instead of wearing a low cut tank top, you would still wear a button up blouse or crew-neck sweater. If you wear a tank top to a trade show, it would be an undergarment worn with a cardigan sweater.
How you wear what you wear is the second thing that people will notice at trade shows. Just as you would at work, you want to make sure your clothing is pressed and presentable. Pants should fit well and not hang too low. The same goes for what is worn on top. A trade show is a place to make professional connections and you will therefore dress for that sole purpose.
Part of the standard trade show attire is that of badge holders. Every person who attends or presents at a trade show can typically be seen with a ribbon lanyard around their neck. While badge holders are a necessary item, there is no need to be stuck wearing a ribbon lanyard featuring the logo of a company marketing their product. When you attend a trade show, you can look and feel great wearing a ribbon lanyard of your own choosing. In fact, you could go the extra mile if you so choose and purchase a lanyard decorated with classy beads.
Trade shows are about gaining or giving information on new products and services; but even more importantly, they are the place where a professional woman can show what she's made of. Looking the part is the first step in gaining credibility in your profession.
Author Resource:
William F. Gabriel gives practical tips on choosing the right badge holders and ribbon lanyard.
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