Looking for ideas to improve your upcoming trade show or event program? Follow these 10 steps to get the most out of a brainstorm session.

1. 10 Steps for
Great Brainstorming
verb [ no obj. ]
brain storm | ˈbrānˌstôrm |
use the collective mind to meet
goals and objectives, find
solutions, overcome challenges,
and solve problems:
(as noun brainstorming) : a
brainstorming session.

2. STEP 1:
Start by setting
goals and defining
your objectives.
Be specific with
what you want to
accomplish
up front.
Be Prepared

3. A strong moderator
or leader is essential
for results, maintaining
control of the session
and ensuring
objectives are met.
STEP 2: The Team Leader

4. When deciding who
participates, bring in
people with varying
points-of-view.
A group of 4 to 6 is
manageable, but more
than 8 or 9 becomes hard
to control.
Choosing ParticipantsSTEP 3:
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5. Give enough background
to make sure everyone
knows what you hope to
accomplish.
Quick tip: the more time
participants have to look at
materials ahead of time,
the more time you'll have
to actually brainstorm!
Briefing ParticipantsSTEP 4:
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6. Quick tip: leave smart
phones and laptops at the
door so everyone
focuses on
the task
at hand.
The EnvironmentSTEP 5:
Take participants out of the
normal work environment
to
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7. For best results…
• Relax
• Leave inhibitions
behind
•
Skills for SuccessSTEP 6:
Set the stage and
let participants
know that
everyone will
respectfully listen
to the
contributions of
others.
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8. The “Rules”STEP 7:
Don’t interrupt other participants
Never say anything negative
Take notes!
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9. Breaking the RulesSTEP 8:
Participants need to
break the rules of
conventional thinking
(while following the
“rules”).
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Think outside the box!

10. “Are We There Yet?”STEP 9:
Knowing when to move on, to wrap up,
or even to reschedule is essential.
• Have you fulfilled your goals and
objectives?
• Do you know what you have to do to
continue the project? What is the next
step?
• Are there ways to implement the
project?
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11. What To Leave WithSTEP 10:
Ideas alone do not make
a brainstorming successful.
You must leave with a plan;
appropriate team members
need to leave with an
assignment or call to
action.
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