| |
|
Working Internationally ... coming here, going there! |
|
|
|
International tradeshows and tradefairs can be the most exciting part of the exhibitor's world. And the most grueling, exhausting and ethnically mis-interpreted. So, whether you are part of our readership that travels out of the USA, or the group that travels to
the USA, or you are just "thinking about" an international tradeshow – here are two words for
everyone to think about "Cultural Interpreter." As the song sort of goes … everybody needs
somebody sometimes – and that sometimes is when you are trying to wade through the
tradeshow world here or abroad. Find a friend overseas – a distributor, a consultant, an exhibit
house. Get a referral from your current exhibit house – but never try to "wing it" on your own.
|
|
There is different etiquette in every part of the world – and you need to know that before
you hit the show floor with your personal agenda. Beyond the USA anticipate seeing
exhibits built on the show floor. Exhibitors from countries with no unions (Asia), or unions with
flexible regulations (Europe), are
|
astonished to learn that what they consider standard procedure is prohibited. Drayage or material
handling, as we know it here in the United States doesn’t exist in most international venues.
Stands overseas are cubes and exhibitors are allowed the full use of space – the US shows in most cases have "line of sight" rules
so that attendees can walk an aisle and see into all of the exhibits.
|
| And thus our final thought on "going there or coming here": consider leaving your exhibit
at home. This is a costly proposition –electrical conversions and shipping overseas can be a
nightmare. You must deal with customs before you even get to the showsite. If you have a US
built exhibit you will note that almost all foreign exhibits are built with hardwalls on a raised
platform under which utility lines run. If your exhibit is built outside the US and that is your
destination, chances are your booth does not meet the show rules and regulations. Renting an
exhibit is more than an option it may be a necessity to lessen your burden of overseas
business.
|
|
 Show consideration for a prospect’s "personal space," especially people from Japan or the UK.
Present your business card with both hands to people of Asian cultures and never put the card away until they have put your card away.
Avoid touching another person, crossing your legs, making the "OK" sign with your
thumb and index finger
Have titled company executives in your booth space as executive prospects expect to
speak with executives of their same stature at tradeshows.
DON'T:
Assume someone is an international visitor based on appearance.
Point with your index finger - in certain cultures, pointing with an index finger is considered rude.
Think your guest understands everything you are saying, even if he or she does
speak English. Speak slowly and clearly.and avoid using colloquial speech.
Use gestures unless you know what they mean to the prospect – one country’s
meaningless gesture could be another country’s vulgarity.
Rush your international guests. At European shows, booth visitors stay for a half-hour or longer.
Bow unless you are bowed to when you are addressing Asian guests.
Be casual during introductions. Use complete names and titles as a sign of respect.
|
|
|
888.760.6555
+1.714.974.8544 |
This
newsletter is designed to give you information about tradeshow survival.
If you do not wish to receive this information, please click
here. If you are having difficulties viewing this newsletter please
click here.
www.AbsoluteExhibits.com |
|
Copyright
© 2003 by Absolute Exhibits, Inc. All rights reserved.
|
|
Update your passport, then photocopy it in case it gets lost or stolen
