Cranmore Park | A simple survival guide for navigating a trade show like a pro

Walking into a major UK exhibition centre for the first time can be overwhelming. The scale is massive, the noise is constant, and the sheer volume of products on display can lead to 'trade show fatigue' before lunch.

However, trade shows are where the most valuable face-to-face networking happens so we've put together a

The Pre-Show Strategy

Success at a trade show starts at least two weeks before you arrive, so don't plan to just wing it when you walk through the doors.

• Set one clear objective: Are you there to find three new suppliers, research a specific competitor, or attend three presentations? Having a clear goal prevents you from wandering aimlessly.

• Download the event app or show guide: Most modern UK shows use apps or digital guides that allow you to view the floor plan, book meetings, and scan exhibitor QR codes.

• Pre-register: Avoid the rush and long queues of "on-the-day" registration by printing your badge at home or having your digital QR code ready.

Pack Your Survival Kit

A trade show is an endurance sport. You’ll likely be on your feet for 6–8 hours.

• The shoe rule: This is not the time for breaking-in brand-new brogues or high heels. Wear comfortable, well-cushioned footwear.

• Tech essentials: Bring a power bank. Between scanning badges and taking photos of stands, your phone battery will drain by 2:00 PM.

• Hydration: Bring a reusable water bottle. Venue water can be expensive, and staying hydrated is the best way to avoid the 3pm slump.

• Business cards (digital & physical): While LinkedIn is great, a physical card is still a quick, low-friction way to exchange details during a busy conversation.

Master the Floor Plan

Large exhibition spaces are often organised in zones, whether that's by product type (e.g. electricals, bed linen, tabletop etc) or industry sector (e.g UK Made, sustainable etc).

• The inside-out method: Start at the furthest point from the entrance and work your way back. The stands near the entrance are usually the most crowded and expensive; smaller, innovative startups are often tucked away in the back or corners.

• Time your meetings: If you’ve booked a demo or a chat with an exhibitor, leave 15 minutes of travel time between appointments. Halls are bigger than they look on a PDF!

Trade Show Etiquette

Knowing how to interact with exhibitors will save you time and help you build better relationships.

• Don't be a 'scanner': Don’t just let someone scan your badge for the sake of it. If you aren't interested in their product, politely decline. It saves them a low-quality lead and saves you from a month of follow-up emails.

• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of "What do you do?", try "How does your solution integrate with [Your Specific Problem]?"

• Mind the freebies: It's tempting to grab every branded pen and tote bag, but remember you have to carry those around all day. Only take what is genuinely useful.

The Post-Show "Power Hour"

The real work starts when the show closes.

• Note-taking: Within an hour of leaving, go through the business cards you collected and jot down one specific thing you talked about on the back of each.

• The 48-hour rule: Send your follow-up emails within two days. Mention something specific from your chat so you don't sound like a generic template.

Ready to Attend Your First Show?

If you're looking for a venue that's easy to navigate for your first event, Cranmore Park offers a more intimate, focused environment compared to "aircraft hangar" style venues, making it a perfect place for first-timers to find their feet.