Is It Okay to "Sit" in the Booth?
MEMBER QUESTION:
How do you feel about sitting if the show runs for 3 days between 8 and 12 hours a day and you’re the only one manning the trade show booth?
TRADESHOWJOE RESPONSE:
The answer to this question really depends on a couple of factors – but for the most part, I would think it would be fine to sit “some” during most any show. (Especially if you’re put in the awkward position of being the only person there for three long days!)
The factors that I’m referring to are…
FACTOR: How busy is the show?
If it is a very busy show, then you probably wouldn’t want to sit inside the booth at all, as you certainly wouldn’t want to miss out on a potential new customer/sale/whatever your “show goals” are, now would you?
Unfortunately for booth attendants, some people at trade shows are indeed “turned off” by a sitting booth attendant. If it is a busy show, schedule some time away from the booth to take quick breaks and try to rest for a few minutes at these points – if possible. (Be sure to leave plenty of information for any visitors to take – while you’re gone.)
Something else that will help… Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!! (You’d be surprised how many people don’t do this.) And, try to not stand in one spot for too long a period of time.
Another excellent idea, is to sit in a director’s chair or a stool – something a little higher off the ground than a normal office type chair. These types of chairs will help you to take some pressure off your feet – while still keeping you at eye level with your visitors. Unless your booth is designed with a table, I would not recommend sitting in any sort of low-to-the-ground/traditional chair. And, if you do sit, try to do so – so that you are still easily approachable by visitors.
FACTOR: What’s the “set-up” of your booth?
As mentioned above, if your booth is not designed with a table, don’t sit in any sort of traditional office type chair. Try to find something a little higher off the ground – like a nice director’s chair or a stool. (Having your company logo printed on the director’s chair/stool is always a plus!)
In most cases, if your booth is designed with a table/desk, it probably would not be offensive to anyone if you sat in a traditional type of office chair, etc. Just make sure you remain very approachable and don’t seem totally separated from your visitors by the table.
I hope this helps!
Sherry
TradeShowJoe.com