Trade Shows today are important channels of business generation and provide an excellent opportunity for a one-on-one interaction on the same platform with both the existing and target clientele. However many organizations tend to let this unique opportunity slips away from their grasp. A staff's conduct is of utmost importance at all times and is an overriding factor in creating first impressions at trade shows.

Most of the time, trade shows fail to make the mark due to the exhibitors not having been given the right kind of training to enrich relationships at these exhibitions therefore experiencing failure. They make the blunder of either overlooking the trade visitors or plunge right into “hardcore selling” tactics thereby losing the deal in the process. Converting these exhibitions into a money-making business, one must realize the significance of securing relationships at these trade shows. One can start off by applying the following tips on trade show etiquette as given below:

• First impression is always the last impression. Always make sure that you are right ahead of schedule while setting up your trade show booth before the show opens.
• Always be careful about your professional appearance. Remember, smart business attire always creates positive impressions. As a representative of the company, one's appearance should reflect the company's image at all times during the event.
• Try as much as possible not to eat and drink in your trade show booth as it will send wrong signals to trade visitors who might feel that you are too busy to attend to their queries at that moment.
• Don't get engrossed in a book or a magazine as it does not show proper trade show etiquette. One should showcase an amicable and welcoming demeanor and should appear approachable to its visitors and buyers. Key elements of appearing approachable is by flaunting a ready smile, keeping an open body language and maintaining eye contact at all times.
• Try to incorporate the rule of listening 80 % of the time and talking 20% while in conversation with a potential customer. Failing to do so will result in not realizing what the prospective customer is thinking, wanting and desiring.
• Avoid wandering into other companies' trade show booths as this will give them a chance to disturb and enter your booth when they are restless and bored.

It is important to remember that, one of the basic fundamentals of triggering a successful trade show is the hospitality extended towards one's clients. Keeping such tips in mind will eventually bring transformation of leads into relationships and ultimately relationships into lucrative sales.