In many ways, visiting a trade show can resemble going on vacation. Besides spending time out of the office with friends and in new parts of the country, it's also important to plan your time carefully. It's impossible to see everything that's offered with a limited amount of time and energy, so planning a schedule before arriving at the show site can guarantee that the show's information and events are worth the cost of travel and registration. Bryan Patchan, the NAHB's director of industry communications in public affairs, recommends the following:
It can be hard enough finding the spare time to attend industry trade shows, so it's important to make the most out of the valuable time you spend there.