Show checklist: be prepared

Business Startup Overseas is unlike any other exhibition. With so much to see, hear and learn - and so many people to meet - we strongly recommend that you think carefully about how to manage your visit, to make the most of the opportunity.

Visitors to Business Startup shows over the years have continually stressed that a little preparation goes a long way when faced with the vast amount of information and advice available at the event. Without a doubt, you'll come away with ideas and information you didn't even know you needed! If you come prepared with a list of what you already know you want to find out, however, you'll make sure you don't leave with questions unanswered.

Plan
Make use of this website, the updates we send you by e-mail and the showguide - a comprehensive magazine you'll receive by post with your free ticket. Each of these will help you to plan your visit. Calculate how much time you think you will need to fit everything in, then double it. There really is so much to see and do that you might need to consider visiting on both days of the show.

Identify
What do you want most from Business Startup Overseas ? What information or advice do you need? Identify which exhibitors you should visit, which speakers you want to hear and the events you would like to participate in to get the most out of the show.

Target
Once you have planned who you want to see, use the floor plan inside the back cover of the show guide and make use of our Personal Shopper service to pinpoint exactly where everyone can be found.

Record
Don't forget to take a pen and notepad - or your laptop or PDA - so that you can make notes at the show. If you have a Dictaphone or similar, take that, too.

Network
If you already have business cards, take a pile with you - or if not, print off your contact details onto ordinary paper. You never know who you might meet, and it's important to make sure you can easily keep in contact after the event.

Relax
When planning your trip to the show, leave time for reflection or for unexpected events and conversations.

Follow up
Set aside plenty of time in the days and weeks after the show to consolidate what you've learned and to put your plans into action. Take time to organise your new contacts and information sources into electronic and physical filing systems which you can easily retrieve.