Safe Exhibiting Guide

Establish Messaging and Protocol Be prepared for booth visitors who may object to your policies, particularly those pertaining to wearing masks. In an article for Supermarket News, representatives from law firm Fisher Philips recommended retailers train customer-facing employees on what to do if guests don’t comply. Their suggestion is to politely inform visitors of your company’s policy requiring masks and ask if they can provide them one. If attendees refuse, there should be a pre-identified individual (perhaps the exhibit manager) booth reps can call in to resolve and/or deescalate the situation. Provide Alternatives One specific objection exhibitors should be prepared for is guests with underlying health conditions that prevent them from wearing masks. In this case, Supermarket News suggests

Read the Audience Even if show management, your company, and the venue staff are comfortable with shaking hands and standing toe to toe, don’t assume all of your booth visitors are. “In this case, follow the lead of the visitor as far as shaking hands and social distancing,” Hill says. “You want every visitor to your booth to feel comfortable and valued.” The Basics Still Apply “Not shaking hands does not mean hands should be kept in pockets,” Siskind says. The booth-staffing basics still matter. “Continue to have open body language, which means no crossed arms and facing toward the visitor,” Hill reminds. “Also, smiling still counts even when wearing masks because visitors can typically tell if you’re smiling by looking at your eyes.” E

providing reasonable alternatives that won’t inhibit breathing, such as offering full, clear face shields. Other experts recommend having all infor mation in the booth available on iPads — along with any activities, videos, etc. — allowing reps to step into the aisle and engage with mask-averse prospects without requiring them to move inside your booth space. Set Appointments “A 10-by-10 booth is a small space,” Siskind says. “Having a conversation with more than one visitor will take up the available space. If the show or company has social-distancing guidelines, consider having one front desk staffer responsible for greeting visitors and setting up appointments.” He or she can even collect contact information and send reminders about upcoming meetings to participants via email or text message.

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