Getting the Most out of a Trade Show: 6 Tips for Turning Busy Days into Real Value
With MD&M West right around the corner, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about how to get the most out of a major industry event like this. If you’re anything like me, you’re excited but also a little overwhelmed. Thousands of people, hundreds of exhibitors, representation from nearly every corner of the MedTech value chain… all packed into just a few short days. Without a plan, the time can fly by faster than you expect. You blink, and suddenly you’re back at the airport wondering who you talked to, what you learned, and what you meant to follow up on.
I’ll be the first to admit: I’m no trade show expert. But over the years, I’ve observed some best practices from colleagues, customers, and partners who seem to navigate these events with purpose and confidence. As I prepare for MD&M West, I’m hoping to put more of these ideas into practice myself—and thought they might be worth sharing.
Below are a few tips and tricks I’ve seen that can help turn a busy trade show into a truly valuable experience:
Do your homework before you arrive.
Before you ever step onto the show floor, spend time reviewing the exhibitor list, agenda, and speaker lineup. Identify the companies you want to visit, the technologies you want to learn more about, and the sessions that align with your role or interests.
In MedTech, especially where innovation moves fast, having a short list helps you stay focused amid the noise. Even marking a handful of “must-see” booths (shameless plug to visit Oliver at Booth #3149!) or talks can give structure to your day and prevent decision fatigue once you’re onsite.
Treat your notes like gold.
Your notepad (or notes app in my case) will quickly become your best friend. Jot down key takeaways from conversations, ideas sparked by sessions, and names of people you want to follow up with. Don’t be afraid to snap photos of booth signage, product displays, or slides to jog your memory later.
The most important part, though, happens after the show: review your notes while everything is still fresh. Even a quick 30-minute review at the airport can make the difference between meaningful follow-ups and forgotten opportunities.
Schedule 1:1 meetings in advance.
Some of the most valuable conversations at a trade show happen away from the booth floor. If there are partners, customers, or peers you’d like to connect with, reach out ahead of time to schedule a meeting or casual coffee chat.
A short email or LinkedIn message before the show can go a long way—and helps ensure your time is spent intentionally rather than hoping you run into the right person by chance.
Don’t overlook the evenings.
While the show floor may close in the afternoon, networking doesn’t stop there. Dinners, receptions, and happy hours often create more relaxed environments for building relationships and having deeper conversations.
These moments are especially valuable in MedTech, where trust, collaboration, and long-term partnerships matter. Even one meaningful evening conversation can be just as impactful as a full day on the floor.
Leverage technology to work smarter.
We have more tools at our fingertips than ever before—use them. Event apps can help you navigate schedules and floor plans, while LinkedIn and AI-powered tools like ChatGPT can make researching a company or person faster and easier, even on the spot.
Installing the right apps ahead of time can help you quickly get context on someone you’ve just met, prepare for an impromptu conversation, or capture follow-up ideas while they’re still top of mind.
Give yourself space to explore.
Not every moment needs to be scheduled. Some of the best discoveries happen when you wander into a booth you hadn’t planned to visit or strike up a conversation while waiting for a session to start.
Leave room for curiosity. You never know which new connection, technology, or idea might spark your next big takeaway.
At the end of the day, trade shows like MD&M West are what you make of them. With a little preparation, thoughtful follow-up, and openness to learning, they can be energizing, insightful, and genuinely rewarding. As I head into this year’s show, these are the reminders I’m keeping top of mind—and I hope they help you make the most of it too!
