How to Attend a Trade Show at Navy Pier in Chicago

Having been operational for almost a century as a shipping facility, an exhibition center and venue, the Navy Pier in Chicago is now the premier space for intimate trade shows in the mid west. When attending a trade show at the Navy Pier, there are a few things to keep in mind.

    Register for the trade show. Knowing your plan in advance will be a big help when attending a trade show. If possible, register for your specific trade show on-line or through the mail at the earliest possible time. This will help you avoid waiting in line once you arrive at the venue.

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    Print out business cards. Be prepared to meet people at the trade show. Before leaving, remember to bring business cards to hand out during your stay. If you do not have any on hand, there are a number of places on-line that provide business cards quickly and cheaply.
   
    Familiarize yourself with the layout of the trade show. This can be done by either obtaining a map of the show floor from the Navy Pier website, or by walking around the floor itself.
   
    Take notes. While at the trade show, you will doubtless see many different displays and meet countless people. There are many note taking applications for smart phones and laptops for the more technologically inclined, but pen and paper work just as well. Keeping one of these instruments in your purse or pocket will be instrumental in remembering contacts and displays.
   
    Be social. No matter what your business, it is always important to be friendly and courteous. Do not be timid or afraid of engaging in small talk. Hand out your business cards to those you meet and with whom you have conversations. You never know when or where a good contact will be made, so treat every encounter as though it is the most important one you will have all day.
   
    Explore the rest of the Pier. Remember that you are on the Navy Pier in Chicago and there are dozens of activities as well as a broad spectrum of entertainment options available. There are fine dining restaurants, boat cruises, a theater, a beer garden, and an amusement park, all right on the Pier itself.

 Tips

    If you are flying into Chicago, purchase a plane ticket as soon as possible after registering to insure you get the one you need.
    If booking a hotel, look for a hotel on the Pier itself for convenience. Many hotels offer package rates that include tickets to various leisure activities on the Pier.
    The main office of the Navy Pier can be reached at (800) 595-PIER.

 Things You'll Need

    Business Cards
    Tape Recorder
    Writing implement
    Note taking device