When I attended my first International Builders’ Show, I wish someone would have given me a survival guide. Through the years, I’ve refined my list of must-haves whenever I attend tradeshows - especially the daunting IBS. Here’s a list of what I take with me to make my time on show floors much more comfortable.

* Ibuprofen or aspirin - Take every day at lunch to minimize the feet swelling.

* Bottled water - Buying water on the show floor can cost a few extra dollars than if you’d bought it in a convenience store. Plus then you don’t have to wait in line.

* Granola bars - These keep the hunger away for a few hours and give you some extra energy when 3pm comes around.

* Very comfortable shoes - I can’t tell you how many women I see wearing 3 in. heels. In my opinion, comfort passes style on any show floor.

* Large bag with comfortable strap - You’ll most likely end up with many brochures, give-aways, stress balls and more from helpful booth personnel. You’ll be grateful for a large bag with a strap that doesn’t carve itself into your shoulder.

* Many, many business cards - You never know who you’re going to meet.

* Notepad and pen - This is good for classes, walking through booths and even happy hour.

* Hand sanitizer - Unless your name is Donald Trump (who hates shaking hands), you’ll most likely shake hands with numerous people at the show.

That’s just a short list of my tradeshow must-haves … what are yours?

-Maureen

Yesterday, the American Institute of Architects announced the winners of its 2009 Honor Awards. As noted in the press release about the winners, projects range from commercial, religious buildings to residential settings. It’s an impressive list of winners from all over the world. These winners will be honored at the AIA Convention which is held in San Francisco this year - April 30 through May 2.

Award programs such as the esteemed AIA Honor Awards are wonderful for the trade community. They not only recognize the innovative and talented people in the industry but they also allow these people to inspire their peers. And winning awards not only gives you industry recognition but they also allow you to market something extra to your clients.

I’ve heard that there’s an industry standard that if there’s an award program, find a way to apply to it. But there’s no denying the fact that applying for awards programs with a professional portfolio takes time and sometimes money. Are you taking advantage of the many award programs offered in the industry? And if not, why?

-Maureen

Every year in January or February, the building community gears up for the International Builders’ Show. This show is filled with great education, networking events and new/innovative products. For anyone who’s attended past shows, you know it can be a daunting and tiring show. My first year at IBS was brutal because no one warned me on the sq. ft. of exhibit space that resides at the show. It can seem like miles and miles of endless building products to a newbie.

Two weeks from today is the start of the show. I’ve always enjoyed the show - meeting new people, meeting up with old friends and seeing all the cool, new products on display. And this year it’s no longer in Orlando … hello Vegas! But, despite the unending resources that are available at IBS each year and it being in a new location, some companies are being forced to look at who really needs to attend IBS; who will get the most out of the show.

Did you or your company struggle with who to send to IBS this year, or are you sending the same amount of people as year’s past?

-Maureen