12 Trade Show Survival Tips, Project & Magic in Vegas - On My Mind.

How to be a productive warrior, beat the overwhelm, while staying healthy, and most of all – HAVE FUN!  It’s fashion, afterall… By Daniella Platt

As I head to my 24th MAGIC Marketplace show, here’s 12 survival tips I’ve picked up along the way to be a productive warrior and beat the overwhelm, while staying healthy and --- HAVE FUN!  

1. Fingertip access to your credentials.   Have your Tax ID, Reseller certificates, Badge or bar-code email easily accessible.
   
   
2. Business Cards. Pack lots.  Also prepare for managing the cards you receive.  This year, I’m going to play with e-business cards so connections are automatically synced.  As for the contacts I receive, I use Ziplock bags and post-it notes to keep track, by show.  I see others clipping or stapling cards alongside their notes, or taking photos. 
   
   
3. Plan your schedule.   Here's a link to the MAGIC Show Planner MAGIC show planner. 
   
   
4. Have your mission statement and elevator pitch perfected so it sounds magical to the ears! Study the trends in advance, know your budget, your target, and your goals.
   
   
5. Stay organized!  Take a few minutes as you need to regroup. Organize as you go helps for a seamless hotel check out and post-show follow-up.  This year, I’m testing out www.calendly.com app to schedule post-show follow-up appointments onsite. 
   
   
6. Set a daily goal to keep you track and measure accomplishment. Make it a game for yourself!  Set a goal to meet 10 new brands, suppliers, or critical connections, each day.   
   
   
7. Bring all your contacts with you!   I use Pipedrive as my saas CRM, click here. 
   
   
8. Stay Healthy, Stay Happy!  EAT a good breakfast! HYDRATE early, hydrate often.   Pack energizing snacks such as nuts, dried fruit, bars. I bring emergenC and tea bags too.  It’s hard when you’re away from your usual, the effort to find healthy food choices and pass on the chocolate at every booth involves effort but worthwhile in keeping you feeling balanced.
     
9. Supplies! Order forms, your checklists, pens, notebook, paperclip, mini-stapler, ziplock bags.
   
   
10. Phone charger! Nothing screams panic more so than the red light low battery indicator.  Tip:  Turn your phone to airplane mode when not in use.
    
    
11. Dress Up! It’s more fun.  Wear comfy shoes.  Wear Layers. You are walking and standing most of the day.
    
    
12. Trust the Process! Make yourself known & have fun! Don't hide. Use the opportunity to be social, make new contacts, and develop relationships. Yes, it's exhausting.  Sleep when you get home! 

 
Thinking back to my first MAGIC, February 2005...
It's your 24th MAGIC Show in Vegas! (It's my 24th MAGIC.)  Macy Gray launched a collection at my first show in February 2005. Duran Duran performed at a private event and MAGIC acquired Project.   Lot 's has changed, though, fashion will always evolve, be hot and vibrant.

 
Daniella Platt @lookinggoodyaya is a FUN marketing & business development consultancy.  We are obsessed with creativity, love the story and purpose behind each brand, and sharing them with the world!  

"You know, Daniella, what you are? You are a walking, talking fashion industry database, with a great personality!"