Exhibit Halls

When you go to a library conference, do you go into the exhibit hall? Do you feel a little nagging feeling of anxiety or insecurity when you do? Do you feel a little intimidated?

After spending many hours in many exhibit halls at many library conferences, it seems that librarians are not very comfortable walking through the exhibits. And that's a shame because the exhibit hall can be an educational part of the conference experience.

So here's some advice on how to maximize your exhibit hall experience.

First of all, remember that not every exhibitor is trying to sell you something.

Seems librarians are mighty shy when they think that someone might be looking to give them the hard sell. After talking with many different kinds of vendors, most agree that exhibiting is an opportunity to build upon relationships they have previously established with conference attendees, do a little PR for their product or service, meet new people, and educate as well as be educated. Yes, some of them are hoping to make sales. Many of them are hoping to make contacts. And some of them - like the NER - have nothing to sell but much to provide in the way of information and assistance.

Secondly, it's OK to ask questions. In fact, it's good to ask questions.

The exhibitors are participating in this conference because you are part of a group they are involved with or want to be involved with. It's OK to engage them in conversation. If the booth is for something you are not familiar with, ask the big question, "What do you do and why are you here?"

If the booth provides a product or service you use or are familiar with, go ahead and tell the booth staff what you think of that product or service. Feel free to ask them, as people have asked us, "So, what's new with PubMed [or insert appropriate brand name here]?" Or, say to them, "I use [insert name here] all the time. Have any tips or tricks you'd like to share?" And, by all means, if you're having some frustration trying to use their product, the exhibitors are the ones to talk with about it.

Thirdly, use your tools.

Ah, you're thinking, "I don't have time to talk to every exhibitor!" You're right.

Exhibitors want you to stop at their booth. That's why they are there. That's part of the reason they often have things to give away at their booth - to entice you to stop and chat (not just grab and run). But you're busy attending sessions and seeing colleagues. Your time is limited. What to do? The list of exhibitors is often published and distributed with the conference materials. When your time is limited, don't just aimlessly wander the aisles. Take a look at the list and see who's there and decide which vendors you'd like to make time to have a chat with.

Finally, the participation of exhibitors is financially important for the conference.

Many librarians don't seem to understand that vendors help to fund conferences with the money they pay to be exhibitors and/or sponsors. Conference organizers count on those funds. And it is important to understand that exhibitors rate conferences by the amount of traffic in the exhibit hall and the types of interactions they have with attendees. If folks don't visit the exhibit hall, many exhibitors will reconsider their involvement in that particular conference.

A little note to conference organizers, too: it's great when you get into the exhibit hall to chat with the vendors and thank them for their participation. It's always appreciated by the exhibitors.

So, take advantage of the exhibits at the next conference you attend. It's not just the freebies that are being given away - there's a real opportunity for learning there, too.

Donna Berryman, Outreach Coordinator Donna.Berryman@umassmed.edu