Trade shows like NACE are chock-full of opportunities, whether you're looking to make an equipment purchase for your shop or you need new management software for your business.
If you need to learn how to operate a new piece of machinery, or need to learn about new benefits from the Automotive Service Association, there are countless chances for you to learn, see, do and buy at NACE 2002. But, without a plan of "attack," you may be more frustrated than successful, and we want your NACE experience to be the best ever! After all, this year is sure to be extra special and particularly beneficial, since it IS NACE's 20th anniversary!
Before you come to NACE, there are several things you need to do to prepare. First, it is important that you have a PLAN. You didn't start your business without a plan, and you don't operate day-to-day without some sort of plan at your shop. It is important that you develop a goal plan to help you get the most out of your NACE experience.
P: Prepare for your NACE experience. Before you leave for Dallas, be sure you know everything you can about your shop and its needs. It is important that you know details such as what software program you use for managing your shop, if any. You should know what machinery in your shop could be replaced, how old many of the pieces are, and what type of new equipment you are interested in buying.
Because many companies that will exhibit at NACE offer discounts for multiple purchases, or they offer a discount for ASA members, it is important that you have either a list or a working knowledge of the member benefits of which you are already taking advantage. Read, read, read. Go over your NACE literature before you arrive in Dallas. Visit the NACE 2002 Web site at www.NACEexpo.com.
Most importantly, be thoroughly prepared. You will have a better experience if you feel comfortable in what you know about your shop, and if you know what you are planning to learn at NACE.
L: Learn everything you can. There are literally hundreds of product demonstrations, topic-specific lectures and other presentations that are designed to teach you. Whether you come alone or bring your entire staff, everyone will benefit from the knowledge of other ASA members and automotive experts. These experts have prepared their presentations and demonstrations to amplify your knowledge.
In addition to these opportunities, there are also new product demonstrations that NACE management has arranged. Look for the NACE stage, check your NACE brochure for the schedule of live-action demonstrations, and take a comfortable seat while you learn about these companies and their new products.
Come to NACE with an open mind, and be ready to soak up as much automotive information as you can. You may just figure out how to improve shop safety, how to repair a particularly tricky body part, or even how to keep your employees happy. There are so many things to learn at NACE.
A: Active Attendance. It is important that you are active during NACE. This is where your preparation comes into play. You will have to make choices about which demonstrations and presentations to Attend - there is no possible way to attend them all. But for you to gain the most knowledge possible, you should attend as many exhibits and presentations as you can.
Be willing to Approach salesmen and remember that they can demonstrate their products and teach you a thing or two during your time in Dallas. They're not just there to make a sale, and you aren't under obligation to buy anything, so don't be afraid to learn about their products and gain from their knowledge.
Take Advantage of as many of the activities as you can. Your NACE experience will be so much more rewarding if you are active.
N: Network with other collision shop owners, especially ASA members. You and your fellow NACE attendees face many of the same issues as business owners: a tough economy, challenges in hiring qualified staff, customer service issues and the difficulties that day-to-day business ownership can present. Friends that you meet at NACE 2002 can become extremely valuable allies in the business world.
Network with exhibitors. Tool salesmen, paint booth companies, automobile manufacturers and even ASA representatives are vast sources of collision information. Visit ASA's booth (Booth No. 2128) while you're there. Get business cards and product samples for as many companies and salesmen as you can.
Don't be afraid to approach company booths even if you have no intention of buying a product at NACE. There's no way to know if a major piece of equipment in your shop will burn out the day you return. The connections you made at NACE could prove to be very valuable in little time.
As a general note of advice, take notes, take notes and take more notes. Don't rely on your memory to retain all the information you receive at NACE. Write down names as soon as you can - you could forget them on the way back to your hotel. Ask for business cards, and make notes about that person's business or products on the back of the card. Offer your business card as often as you can. Many times this will put your shop on a mailing list or product sample distribution list. In any case, the useful information you will receive will keep coming long after NACE 2002.
Keep your NACE bag with you at all times, and collect product samples, brochures, posters and any information you can get your hands on. Don't attempt to read it all and understand it before you leave Dallas. Instead, filter through it so that you are able to prioritize.
If you know your paint booths are aging and you're planning to purchase a new one in the next year, make it a priority to visit the paint booth exhibits and demonstrations first, and to read their information as well. Keep all the information you receive together, and absorb that information before you proceed to the next product that you're serious about. But, avoid overloading yourself by trying to ingest all the information you receive. Save it for the flight home, instead.
It will be important for you to be realistic when approaching "Big D" and the "Big NACE" in December. Don't try to see every booth on the exhibition floor. Prioritize and visit the ones that are most important to you on the first and second days. Use the rest of your time to visit booths that are less important to you.
Spend time meeting other people at booths, at lunch, in the presentations. And, know that you'll get out of NACE about the same thing you put into it. Be interested, and interesting. Approach others, and be approachable as well. Learn as much as you can, and offer your knowledge to others. Make NACE 2002 the best experience it can be for you and your business.
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