How to Prepare For and Attend an Interior Design Show

Attending interior design events and trade shows is an important part of an interior designer’s life. An interior design show is always an opportunity for designers to get inspired, and a great way for them to connect with other design professionals. 

We’ve already shared our favorite interior design shows with you. In this article, we present a list of tips on how to prepare for attending an interior design event, and what to do when you get there.

Getting ready for an interior design exhibition is always exciting. But it’s necessary to plan ahead so you can optimize your experience. Having visited multiple interior design events over the years, our design team has learned how to best prepare for these interior design events. Scroll down to read our tips so you can benefit from our experience!

PLAN AHEAD

There are always many exhibitors participating in a major interior design show. Before going to a design fair or trade show, we always review the list of exhibitors and select the ones we don’t want to miss, as well as those we would like to learn more about.

We use the floor plan ahead of time to find the location of each vendor we want to visit in order to maximize our time and prioritize the ones that identify with our clients’ style and needs.

Because each design event is a venue for people across the design industry to congregate, many special events take place along with the vendor displays, including workshops and talks.

We recommend that you review all the offerings ahead of time to make sure you don’t miss a single opportunity to attend a session or to connect with other professionals at a networking event.

WEAR COMFY CLOTHES AND SHOES

First impressions count! Because your appearance is important when attending interior design shows, what you wear and how you present yourself are crucial considerations. But you will be doing a lot of walking because there is so much to see, and a lot of standing because there are so many people to talk to.

So keep in mind that in addition to looking professional, you want to be comfortable. That means trading in heels for comfy shoes! This will help you have an enjoyable experience that you can make the most of.

BE A LEARNER

Creative minds never stop learning! One of the reasons we like to attend interior design shows is to continue our education while being inspired. We tour the halls of each design event with open eyes and the desire to continue learning from everyone we meet.

We observe details such as how the brands present themselves, and what creative solutions they use to display their products in ways we would never have imagined. And that’s what it is all about! We gain a wealth of knowledge by being eager students and observing trends and new ways to do things. When you attend an interior design event, like us, be sure to absorb as much as you can.

DOCUMENT WHAT YOUR DISCOVER

With so many things to see, you should bring your camera or cell phone to document what you like the most. Later, you can remind yourself of that cool display you saw or the furniture piece you fell in love with. You can also share the photos you take at the event with the rest of your team as well as your client as an example or as inspiration.

Without a doubt, it will be difficult to remember everything you saw at the design event because you took in so much! Therefore, we recommend that before you enter a booth or display, first snap a photo of the brand name, followed by its products.

This will help you remember which photo corresponds to which brand. You can always refer to the brand’s website to learn more about their products after you return to the office.

Make sure that for each day you attend the interior design show, your camera and/or phone are fully charged! 

SAVE THE CONTACTS

At the interior design event, you will meet many people with whom you will network and connect. Of course you don’t want to forget their names, so be sure you plan a convenient way to save their contact information.

Business cards are always a good idea, but having a contact list prepared in advance can help you organize your contact details. You can easily go back through the companies and/or professionals you meet after you return home.

Nothing is more important than follow-up after an interior design event. Make sure you follow up with all your contacts after the show. By building relationships with the vendors you met by contacting them after the show will result in positive relationships.

HAVE FUN

Finally, enjoy the show! And don’t get stressed out if you didn’t get to visit every exhibitor on your list or attend every seminar you signed up for. What’s important is finding the key to make the most out of your experience, and allow yourself to absorb as much information and inspiration as possible.

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