750,000 square feet of space. 65,000-plus attendees. 1000-plus exhibitors.
PRI is huge, to say the least. It overwhelms even the most seasoned of industry vets. However, it’s open to the public (with a $40 PRI membership), meaning weekend warriors can take advantage of this incredible assemblage of the top minds and companies in motorsport under one roof.
Here’s some advice …
One more to add to the list that I have seen people forget: Wear comfortable shoes.
Also, yeah, pace yourself.
David S. Wallens said:One more to add to the list that I have seen people forget: Wear comfortable shoes.
Also, yeah, pace yourself.
Comfortable shoes are definitely on the "must" list. And J.A.'s first point in the article is also key. Walk in the door with a plan, or you could easily be overwhelmed trying to remember and track down certain vendors that you were hoping to connect with.
Our yearly routine is to go to the opening breakfast on Thursday, which I HIGHLY recommend, just for the random people you'll end up sitting with. I have many cool memories from that.
After breakfast, we wander through the 2 main halls scoping the whole thing out, then go hit a couple of the main vendors we want to talk to. Then, off to the "happy hour" at the Stadium. Friday morning, its time to go see the other vendors we want to talk to, revisit a couple of others from Thursday, then get the Hell back to Ohio because we're tired and peopled-out. It's always one of my favorite weekends of the year.
Yeah, gotta have a plan. And J.A. raises a very good point about minding people’s time. Everyone there has work to do.
BTW, don't forget to visit our booth at PRI, #3133, Yellow Hall. Renew your sub. Say hello to our staff. Get some stickers! Love to see you there!
The HIGH temp for this Wednesday in Indy is 24. Thursday its 22.
Many downtown buildings are connected by an enclosed second floor walkway system, but not all.
You WILL be outside some. Be prepared !
I remember once walking to the show in 0-degree weather. Bundle up, everyone!
Get the app.
In reply to 200mph :
I feel cold just reading those temps.
In comparison to where I'm at:
Not too bad. It warms up as the week goes on.
Ugh, I remember the first winter back at Indy during tear down. We were right near the 30' roll up doors, and when they rolled those puppies up at 5PM, it was -10 outside.... That was a LONG night tearing down and packing machines for shipment... I miss going to PRI, but I don't miss Indy in December!
Still my favorite trade show!
One more thing I forgot. Business cards. While some of the cool kids eschew them in favor of QR-code-based cards, I'm still a big fan of them. I like offering a physical keepsake that a potential contact takes with them to follow up. I admittedly often forget about those who I have scanned QR codes and added to my contacts. Maybe it's just me.
7. Don’t Forget to Take Care of Yourself
I keep my hospital wristband from PRI 2022 on my desk at all times as a reminder.
Also, ditto on the business cards! Trading cards is still the easiest way for us to keep track of who's been to the booth to see us, and even if the person you're looking for is in a meeting when you come to the booth looking for them, giving us your card is the best way to make sure that person gets in touch with you as soon as they become available!
Another +1 on comfortable shoes, a plan, networking as opposed to asking and spending time at the GRM booth. You all were my rest bit during the show when I went and every year I attended was good for for enough funding to cover my salary for 3 years.
Drive safe everyone if you're traveling by road to Indy on Wednesday. The weather looks to be wintry to some extent from I-75 to I-65.
When I go to shows I try and walk one direction say North to South and then walk it again South to North ,
You see the other side of the booths on your return trip and see stuff you missed ,
Also make a list with space number of places you need to go back to , you are going to forget by the time you get to the other side of the Hall.
Yes, booth numbers are you friends–as are the hanging signs.
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