The document provides tips for attendees of the International Garage Door Exposition to get the most out of their experience. It lists common mistakes like not reading workshop descriptions or only socializing with friends. It recommends identifying educational needs and opportunities in order to prioritize workshops. Attendees are advised to treat workshops as an annual education and market research opportunity by taking and comparing notes with other attendees. The exhibition hall should be treated as a chance to identify new business opportunities by reviewing exhibitors beforehand and gathering contact information.

1. Getting the Most Out of the
International Garage Door Exposition
Presented by Barbara Kelkhoff
The Chamberlain Group
IDEA Immediate Past President

2. Getting the Most Out of Expo
Consider the International Garage Door Exposition as
an investment, and set goals to earn a return!

3. Common Mistakes
• Hmm…which workshop should I attend
now?
• Sitting with partner/spouse in the same
workshops
• Attending the same workshop as last year
• Not reading the workshop descriptions
• Briskly walking the Exhibition Hall
• Hanging out only with friends and
associates

4. Common Complaints
• There are too many scheduling conflicts
on the workshop agenda
• There should be more repeated
workshops
• I can’t attend all the workshops I want to
attend
• I didn’t see anything new in the Exhibition
Hall

5. What is Expo to the Dealer?
• Education
• Entertainment
• Recognition
• Motivation
• Market Research

6. Educational Workshops
Gaining the full benefit of the educational
programming will give you an edge over your
competition, if you take the right approach.

7. Getting the Most Out of Expo
• Identify your greatest needs and
opportunities
• Prioritize and plan your schedule

8. Getting the Most Out of Expo
• Team up and split up
• Take and compare notes

9. Getting the Most Out of Expo
• Treat workshops as an annual
education
• Seek growth and new
opportunities
• Speak up and ask questions

10. Getting the Most Out of Expo
Use what you learn when you get home!

11. The Exhibition Hall
Treat the Exhibition Hall as Market Research

12. Before Entering the Exhibit Hall…
• Review the list of exhibitors
• Identify those you:
- Do business with
- Already know, but don’t do business with
- Don’t know much about
• Pre-plan for new business opportunities
• Set personal goals to find new products

13. While in the Exhibition Hall…
• Bring a folder or notebook
• Visit every exhibit
• Ask “What’s New?”
• Plan to spend both days
conducting your research

14. While in the Exhibit Hall…
• Team up and split up, if necessary
• Take and compare notes
• Leave time to back for follow-up
• Get contact names and phone numbers
• Use the information when you get back
home

15. Getting the Most Out of Expo
Don’t forget to have a great time!