FRONT LINES

{SEPTEMBER 2015}
The Hot List

Info Bites to Fuel Your Business

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STRATEGIES FOR A SUCCESSFUL SHOW

Vision Expo, Silmo, Mido...there are plenty of great trade conferences in the optical industry. U.S. News and World Report offers these tips to help you get the most out of them:

1. PLAN YOUR TRAVELS. It’s a large area. Map out a path that brings you past who you want to see with the least number of footsteps. (visionexpowest.com has an app that lets you logistically coordinate your visits)

2. ASK QUESTIONS IN THE SESSIONS YOU ATTEND. Don’t be shy. You (or your employer) paid for those classes; make sure you understand everything that is discussed.

3 BRING EXTRA BUSINESS CARDS. You might think a short stack is enough. It’s not.

4. DON’T MAKE NON-WORK PLANS FOR THE EVENINGS. There’s some great after-show networking opportunities already planned at Vision Expo. You don’t want a pre-planned dinner with that guy you haven’t seen since high school to stand in the way.

5. BRING WATER AND WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES. You’re doing a lot of talking, you’ll get thirsty (and a little hungry) throughout the day. Also, exhibit hall floors are murder on your feet. Trust us.

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TRADE STATS

9.1 hours
Average time trade show visitors spend viewing exhibits (at U.S. trade shows)

38%
Share of trade show visitors attending that trade show for the first time

81%
Share of potential audience (non-appointment) who remember visiting a company’s trade show exhibit

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EXPO DEDUCTIBLES

Traveling to conferences can be expensive. The silver lining? Much of it is tax deductible, according to the IRS.

AIR FARE: Including airport taxes, parking, luggage handling fees, and rental services



FOOD & LODGING: Providing the length of stay necessitates overnight lodging. “Extravagant” meals and hotels may not be allowed



CAR RENTAL: Including standard mileage deduction and fuel



PRO TIP: Keep all receipts and keep copious records of what each expense was for—and who was included

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CHECK THIS OUT!

Here are a couple of fun side trips to take during VEW to get inspired about design. Bring your staff, if they attend with you!

THE NEON MUSEUM

An outdoor exhibition space, known as the Boneyard, featuring more than 150 signs and marquees from vintage Vegas and a visitors’ center housed inside the former La Concha Motel. neonmuseum.org

ARTS DISTRICT

An 18-block zone that’s home to an eclectic mix of boutiques and galleries. Get inspired to sell your own eye art. 18b.org