Events - Event View

What to bring?

• Distributing contact information is highly encouraged - Business cards and more business cards! 
• Booth decorations range from minimalist to well branded. While these items go a long way to establishing your entity brand and quickly inform Attendees who you are, most vendors attend to attain contacts. Examples of booth decorations are table covers/throws, posters, backdrops, floor stand banners, table stands, and other items that will make your table easily identifiable for Attendees.
• Agencies should present materials describing the programs they operate – this will help the vendors to make a preliminary assessment of program requirements and allow vendors to quickly eliminate programs from their marketing efforts.
• Candy, swag or giveaway items with your entity’s logo on it, such as highlighters, pens, branded bag, etc. are optional. Again, vendors attend to attain contacts.

Who are the ideal public entity candidates to staff an exhibit table?

• Up to two public entity staff members are needed for good interactive discussions with Attendees.
• Public procurement professionals are good candidates – meeting potential new vendors will assist your entity with meeting future solicitation competition recommendations.

What do you talk about?

• Highlight the purpose and mission of your entity or department – the Reverse Trade Show is a good opportunity to increase your agency’s exposure to the public. Be prepared to discuss current and future program requirements and perhaps learn new and innovative solutions or approaches to meet those requirements.
• Use the Reverse Trade Show to meet current suppliers in a single day – pre-arrange meetings with individual suppliers to discuss performance or simply catch up.
• Discuss the goods and services your entity procures – ideally vendors want to hear that their particular product or service could be of use to you.
• Vendors would like us to relate every product or service they offer to your entity – if this is not possible direct them to an entity that can be a potential match.
• It is proper to let a vendor know when there is not an opportunity with your entity at the current time – their time is just as valuable as yours and informing them of how to save time is very valuable information.