The next few months are a cavalcade of open houses and trade shows as everyone tries to close as much business as possible before the end of the fiscal or calendar year. Vendors are choosing where to exhibit and how to staff their space, printers are looking for the show that will be most beneficial to their tactical and strategic plans, and a riot of consultants are looking for the innovations for their toolkits. Trade shows bring it all. Catching up with clients and friends, education, and an opportunity to find something you weren't looking for.

To make the most of your time, there are best practices for vendors and non-vendors. If you have more, add them to the comments so we can share them with everyone! Every show, no matter the size, has the potential to bring the perfect new customer or perfect solution to your attention.

While you can go to the same shows you always go to and talk to the vendors you already engage with, there is value in looking at the calendar for the year, looking at your current needs (an assessment can help!), and finding the events that feature the workflow, print, finishing, or fulfillment pieces you need to grow your efficiency. There are new shows that pop up and shows that combine, and some move locations, so it’s worth the research.