It’s trade show season again. With the first few regional, buying group and partner trade shows of 2023 under our belts, we’re officially gearing up for the biggest, busiest shows of the year.
We love attending trade shows every year to make new connections, see old friends, and hear what everyone has to say about the industry as a whole, and what new point-of-sale needs are starting to surface. We also know that time at trade shows is limited. The show floors only have so many hours and time spent there often has to be carefully scheduled between all of the other activities available.
This year, we anticipate that many pharmacies will be looking for educational opportunities and strategies focused on ways to improve cash flow and profits. Making not only CE courses and key notes important, but ideas shared across lunchroom tables, in vendor booths and show floor aisles.
Simply put, it’s more important than ever to make the most of every minute at any pharmacy conferences you attend this year. Here’s a quick refresh on some strategies and resources you can use to prep, schedule, and navigate this year’s shows.
Know Before You Go
- Your goals. What do you want to get out of the conference? What are your pharmacy business goals and how can conference resources help you achieve them? This will help you select courses, know which talks to attend and plan your vendor visits.
- Available sessions and CE courses. Education is a primary goal for any pharmacy industry conference or show. Know what’s on the agenda and make a schedule for speaker sessions, CE courses, vendor presentations and more.
- Make assignments for your team. If you have multiple team members going, take some time before the conference to discuss objectives and activities for each.
- Start thinking about which vendors you want to visit. Make appointments if you can and make a list of questions you need to have answered, or problems you need help or resources to solve.
Maximize Your Time
- Create a plan. Conferences are filled with ideas and inspiration. Keep your momentum after the conference by making a plan to start working on new initiatives and projects.
- Make time to follow up with vendors. As you’re talking with vendors, make sure to set aside time when you return to the pharmacy for follow-up. It might be a good idea to give it a week or two so you have time to recover from your travel and catch up in the pharmacy upon your return.
If you’re looking for a more detailed overview of how to get the most out of pharmacy conferences and trade shows, check out our free eBook and trade show planner!
Last but not least, come visit with the RMS team at one of our upcoming events. You can find all the info about where and when to find us here!
