1. Make Your List
Before you go make a list of the products and services you are interested in. There are so many vendors the temptation to try to see it all may be great. You can end up getting distracted and walk away without getting some of the information you came for.

You may also want to review the list of participating vendors and highlight those you want to be sure you visit. Most home shows will publish their exhibitors list on their websites prior to the show.

This is your chance! Don’t be afraid to talk to the vendors. Ask questions about your project; find out if they work in your area, how long they’ve been in business, ask about their process. This is a great opportunity to get a feel for the professionals’ capabilities and the culture of the business. This initial conversation can provide great insight into whether they will be a good fit for your needs.

Take brochures and business cards from vendors you might be interested in working with. Jot down notes on the back about anything that stood out to you during your conversation. After you get home this can be a great way to recall which vendors you want to reach out to, especially if you’ve talked to multiple vendors offering the same product or service.

With a little bit of planning you can use your time efficiently and maximize the value that attending a home show can provide.