Bright light city gonna set my soul,

Gonna set my soul on fire.

Got a whole lot of money that’s ready to burn,

So get those stakes up higher.

There’s a thousand pretty women waitin’ out there,

And they’re all livin’ devil may care,

And I’m just the devil with love to spare.

Viva Las Vegas, viva Las Vegas!

The largest gathering of pest management professionals (PMPs), suppliers, distributors and consultants in the pest management industry — a pantheon of Who’s Who in the pest management industry — will be on hand in Las Vegas next week for NPMA’s PestWorld 2009.

If you’re among those PMPs who are making this journey to the desert, I can promise you won’t be disappointed. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) always puts together a fantastic show, and this year’s show promises to be just as fabulous as Las Vegas itself.

As we make last minute preparations at Pest Management Professional to attend the show, I thought it might be helpful to provide some tips on how to get the most out of NPMA’s PestWorld 2009.

A quick Google search on tips for trade show attendees yielded some pretty good advice, which I thought I’d include here with a few tips of my own:

• Have a goal of what you want to accomplish.

 

• Make a list of which exhibitors you’d like to visit, what seminars you want to attend and which new product lines you'd like to see (a list of exhibitors and seminars can be found on the NPMA Web site).

 

• Set appointments with any exhibitor you'd like to meet during the show.

 

• Pack comfortable shoes — you do a lot of walking at trade shows and in Las Vegas.

 

• When deciding what to wear, keep in mind you’re a representative for your company.

 

• Allow enough room in your suitcase(s) to bring back more than you take — this includes literature, freebies and product samples.

 

• Some exhibitors provide bags, but come prepared by bringing a comfortable carryall for all that literature and freebies.

 

• Make sure your badge is in plain sight while attending the seminars and exhibits.

 

• Have a pen and notebook ready for notes.

 

• Take a break after a few hours to refresh, have a snack and get some fresh air.

 

• Attend the educational sessions — this is why you came.

 

• Don't linger too long at each booth because there’s plenty to see.

 

• Don't stay in a conversation with a company in which you're not interested in doing business. It wastes your time and the exhibitor’s time.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned tradeshow professional, I hope you found some of these tips useful.

Two more pieces of advice I must dispense: 1) Bring plenty of your own business cards and 2) Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to others.

After all, it’s all about the networking. Meet as many of your peers as you can and form solid business relationships with suppliers and distributors. NPMA’s PestWorld is your chance to get in touch with everyone all in one place. Take advantage of this tremendous opportunity.

Now, for those of you cannot attend this year’s show, stay tuned to my blog, Keeping it Simple, as well as the PMP magazine Twitter page. I’ll do my best to post daily recaps on my blog and live updates on Twitter.

See you in Las Vegas!

You can reach Grasso, managing editor of Pest Management Professional, by e-mailing pgrasso@questex.com. Be sure to check out his blog, Keeping it Simple, at www.mypmp.net/PetesBlog.