What type of pointers are you looking for?
Although I don't have trade show experience in the apparel industry, I’ve done my fair share of trade shows for other industries.
The biggest challenge is drawing attention to your booth. In a male driven market, or show, the number one technique for drawing attention is “Booth Babes”! Hands down! Works so well, the organizers of this years E3 show have banned the use of Booth Babes.
Beyond that, giving away something for free works pretty good too! If you can afford it, and get away w/ it, I’ve found that small bottles of COLD water is the best. However, some places will not allow you to do this as it completes with the $4 bottles of water the show sells. Chocolate is the next best thing. However, if you’re shipping a few thousand candy bars, be sure they’re going to be stored in a cool place. Been there… done that.
The next biggest mistake or miscalculation is dealing w/ Union porters and electricians. Most shows require Union people to do EVERYTHING! This means carrying all your show stuff from the entrance to your booth, and in most cases, setting it up. One show I couldn’t even carry my own personal shoulder bag to my booth! It can get pretty wild and expensive if you really don’t plan everything in advance to the finest detail.
Most shows will figure in a set “set-up” cost in your fees. This is usually adequate unless you need a lot of outlets, or have a large display booth, etc. But you really need to read all the fine print.
Also, depending on the type of show, don’t figure that you’re going to sell a lot of anything at most shows. Practically all your sales from the show will follow 30 to 120 days after that show. If you’re ever going to a trade show that allows retail/wholesale selling, go the last day at the end of the day. You’ll see everyone that shipped too much practically giving the stuff away so they don’t have to deal with shipping it back.
There’s a ton to learn to be able to do an effective and successful trade show. But nothing beats just getting out there and doing it! Go to Google and type in “trade show tips” and that will keep you busy for a while.
That’s my rant!