Clean ’11: ‘The Show That Works’

By PlanetLaundry staff | Apr 21, 2011

In 2011, the Clean Show is “The Show That Works… for You,” and you want to make the most of it. It is difficult to see everything at Clean ’11, but most people who attend have specific things in mind that they want to accomplish. Advance planning can give you a solid return on your investment of time and money that can help your business run smoothly. Here are 10 ideas for maximizing your Clean Show visit.

Set specific goals. What do you want to accomplish? Is it purchasing or upgrading equipment, learning about new technologies, finding a solution to a business problem, or do you just want to interact with colleagues and friends? Prioritize what is important to you.

Develop a plan of action. Search the Clean Show website (cleanshow.com) by product or exhibiting company to find the items you are looking for. Go to My Briefcase, then My Expo Plan on the Attendees section of the site and add the companies you definitely want to visit to your Expo Plan.

Learn in the classroom. Take advantage of the many educational sessions that are pertinent in today’s laundry market. Clean ’11 has invited other related associations to join the show’s sponsors in presenting education – and for the first time Clean will include Korean-language sessions.

Sessions are scheduled from 8 to 10 in the morning so that you will have plenty of time to visit the exhibit floor. All sessions are listed at cleanshow.com. Add those you want to attend in My Itinerary. These will be blended with your Expo Plan into My Briefcase.

Make advance appointments. For products you are particularly interested in seeing, you may want to make an advance appointment with the exhibitor of that product. This ensures that you will get one-on-one time.

Don’t miss the new stuff. Leave enough time in your plan to visit as many booths as possible beyond your original plan. See what is new and exciting, and don’t miss the small booths. You might find a something that is just right for your operation.

Control the conversation. If an exhibitor continues to talk about features of his or her product that don’t concern you, ask specific questions to turn the conversation toward how this product can meet your specific needs and what solutions you are looking for. If the product doesn’t seem to be a match for you, you can move on quickly to another exhibitor.

Take good notes. When the show is over, it can all seem like a jumble of information. Listening carefully and documenting the conversation can be invaluable in reviewing and analyzing what you saw. Use your smart phone or write on the back of each person’s business card, make up a form of your own or carry a small notebook to jot down the points that are important to you.

Be comfortable. Wear light, comfortable clothes. Clearly, Las Vegas is hot in June. Wear comfortable shoes. You will walk miles on the exhibit floor. Travel light. Carry only what you absolutely need. If you gather too much literature, mail it home from the building’s business center.

Have fun. Las Vegas is the world’s entertainment capital, and there is something for everyone – over-the-top hotels, casinos, shows, restaurants and more. Enjoy your time there after the show closes each day.

Educate your employees and co-workers. When you return home, share your new knowledge with those who didn’t attend Clean ’11. They will feel like they had a part in it and can utilize the information to make your entire operation run more smoothly and profitably.