The ASD Market Week is the largest general merchandise trade show in the United States. That’s why you’ve registered to attend. It’s a great place for marketing, networking and finding new wholesale vendors and products for your business. Planning in advance, whether you’re a first-timer or have many trade shows under your belt, is always a great idea. You’ll be able to get the most out of your time and money while attending.
Here is what you need to know when you attend ASD Market Week.
Accommodations
Book in advance if at all possible, and look around for the best deals. ASD Market Week offers special discounts for some Las Vegas hotels, even at the last minute. Make sure your hotel is convenient to the show, or you know the best, most economical way to get there.
ASD Market Week offers a free shuttle from certain hotels to the show every day. This would be the most economic choice.
The Vegas monorail is also an affordable option. It has many stops at local hotels heading straight for the Las Vegas Convention Center.
If public transportation isn’t your thing, Uber and Lyft are available, with special deals for convention-goers. You can use the code ASD for Lyft to receive a free ride credit up to $50. Uber offers a similar deal with the code ASDLV16 for a free ride up to $15. Uber can also get you from the airport with a new location at the Las Vegas airport and lower prices.
Planning Ahead
Check out all of the vendors that will be there ahead of time with the ASD Show Planner. This allows you to get a head start on finding vendors relevant to your interests that you can contact to set up appointments. You can also search by product categories or look at all of the different seminars taking place during the show.
To access the ASD Show Planner, your badge number is your password.
The Show Planner can also help you create your own show plan and personalized map to find where you need to be. Mark the vendors you want to visit or the seminars you want to attend and they will be highlighted on your personal map.
ASD also matchmakes buyers to vendors to find the perfect fit for you. You can do this by communicating with the Attendee Concierge team, or using the Match Me kiosks located on the floor of the show.
You might be surprised to learn that ASD Market Week has their own mobile app. This syncs up with your online Show Planner to help you during your visit. It also comes with its own Matcher Tool to help you find relevant vendors.
Schedule
Since the show is so large, basically nine shows in one location, it is important to schedule your vendor visits practically. Base your schedule around location, so you can visit all of the relevant vendors in one area close to the same time. But also, do not pack your schedule too much. There are so many vendors and booths that you should save some time just in case you find something you weren’t expecting.
To save time, make sure you preregister for the show. This can also save you money, as registering in advance is free, but $40 at the door.
Registration hours have been extended earlier on day one to welcome those attending, starting at 7 am.
Represent Your Business
Las Vegas can be warm or cold depending on the time of year, while inside the Convention Center is cool and air conditioned. Be prepared for these changes by dressing comfortably in layers that are easily removed, while still representing your business by looking appropriate. Above all, make sure you are comfortable and well-hydated.
Also be prepared for the show by being prepared to talk about your business while networking. Write up an overview of your business with contact information, billing information, addresses and ID numbers. And don’t forget to get some extra business cards.
Budget
There is always a lot to see and buy at ASD Market Week. Come prepared to spend some money, but keep a budget in mind so you don’t end up overspending before the show is over. It wouldn’t do to see something you need at the end of the show, but don’t have any money to purchase it.
ASD Market Week is a unique experience for your business. There is so much to see and do, so you must be prepared with a strategy to see as much as you possibly can.
(header img via youtube.com)
(Las Vegas img via fly.com)
