〽️➕ Fabtech part 4: Beyond the Booth

The Show Floor Is Your Classroom

One of the biggest mistakes people make is walking past equipment because they don't think they'll ever own it.

Maybe they're right…. Maybe they're wrong.

Either way...

You're standing in front of some of the smartest people in the industry.

Ask questions - Watch demonstrations - Try the equipment - See how things work.

Learn.

Even if you don't need that machine today...

You might six months from now.

Or maybe your boss asks you to research a plasma cutter.

Or a friend calls asking if you've ever seen a particular welding hood.

Now you have and knowledge compounds.

The more equipment you experience, the more valuable you become to your company, your customers, and even yourself.

I always tell people...

Don't just shop.

Study.

FabTech is one of the biggest interactive classrooms you'll ever walk through.

Buying Equipment

If you're planning to purchase equipment in the next year...

FabTech is one of the best places to do your research.

Instead of reading spec sheets online...

You can compare machines side by side.

See them running.

Ask questions.

Compare features.

Feel the weight.

Look inside.

Watch maintenance demonstrations.

Talk to engineers.

Talk to technicians.

Talk to the people actually using the equipment.

Sometimes you'll discover the machine you thought you wanted isn't actually the best fit.

Other times you'll find something you never considered.

That's valuable.

One Thought About Floor Models

Here's something to keep in the back of your mind.

Sometimes... (Not always...)

The last day of the show can present opportunities.

Some exhibitors would rather sell certain display items than ship them home.

That doesn't mean every booth will. (Many won't.)

But if you're serious about buying equipment...

Have the conversation.

If you're prepared to purchase immediately...

Have transportation figured out.

Have a trailer…. Have a truck…. Have cash or financing ready.

The worst they can say is no.

The best they can say...

"Let's make a deal."

Never expect it.

But it never hurts to ask politely.

Don't Let Free Stuff Become Expensive

Everyone loves free swag.

Pens, Catalogs, Hats, Stickers, Shirts, That's the easy stuff.

The challenge begins when companies start giving you products to test.

Grinding wheels, Torch consumables, Wire, Saw blades, Gloves, Chemicals, Samples….

Suddenly...

Your carry-on isn't looking so practical anymore.

Plan ahead.

Personally, I've found two methods work well.

Option 1

Check a suitcase.

If you think you'll be bringing products home...

Budget for checked luggage.

It's much easier than trying to explain a box full of welding consumables at airport security.

Option 2

Ship everything home - this is one of my favorite tricks.

Bring a folded cardboard box.

Packing tape.

Even a prepaid shipping label if you want to be extra prepared.

Fill the box throughout the week.

Seal it.

Ship it home.

Simple!

Most people don't think about this until the last day.

Now you're ahead of the game.

Should You Bring Your Own PPE?

Technically... You don't have to.

Most welding demonstrations provide jackets, helmets and gloves.

Personally... I'd still recommend bringing your own welding hood and gloves if you're planning to weld.

Not because the provided equipment is bad.

Because everyone else has been wearing it all week.

Comfort matters - cleanliness matters.

And if you're evaluating a welding machine...

I'd rather eliminate variables.

Using equipment you're already comfortable with gives you a better feel for the machine itself.

One quick note...

If you're flying, always check with your airline and current TSA regulations before packing welding equipment in your carry-on or checked luggage.

Policies can change.

Note: If you brig and wear your own welding hood, and you have your company or brand sticker also on your hood, thats one more form of advertising you can use to your advantage.

Don't Forget To Promote Yourself

One thing I rarely see people take advantage of...

They're attending one of the biggest industry events of the year...

Yet their audience barely knows they're there.

Document your experience… Take photos… Film videos… Share quick thoughts… Post stories.

Show the equipment.

Show the people.

Show the learning.

Even something as simple as...

"I finally got to meet the team at”......goes a long way.

Those posts don't just create content.

They build trust.

They remind people you're actively investing in your education and your business.

@HandleBadge

One of the projects I'm especially proud of is something I created called HandleBadges.

At first glance...

It seems simple.

It's a custom insert that hangs directly below your event badge.

But after using them myself and seeing other companies use them...

I realized how powerful they can be.

No matter what you're wearing...

A jacket. A hoodie. A polo. A raincoat.

Your business name stays front and center.

People immediately know who you are.

Some companies even order matching HandleBadges for their entire event team.

I've seen sponsored creators, educators, sales representatives and booth staff all wearing matching badges underneath their official event credentials.

It creates consistency.

It helps visitors know who's part of the team.

And it keeps your branding visible all day long.

Sometimes the smallest ideas end up making the biggest impression.

More details at https://www.jonnysweld.com/handlebadge

One More Thing...

Wear Your Own Merchandise

If you have shirts... Wear them.

If you have hats... Wear them.

If you have hoodies... Wear them.

Every hallway... Restaurant... Hotel lobby... Coffee shop... Taxi line... Ride share pickup... After party...

Becomes another opportunity for someone to recognize your business.

Maybe they saw one of your videos six months ago.

Maybe they recognize your logo from Instagram.

Maybe they simply become curious enough to ask what your company does.

Brand recognition happens through repetition.

You never know which interaction becomes memorable.

What I Don't Recommend

Let's not have a little fun.

Here are a few "gorilla marketing" ideas that I definitely don't recommend!!

Don't leave business cards on tables, at booths or anywhere else.

Don't stick your stickers on someone else's display when you see other stickers on there.

Don't turn demo areas into advertising space for your business.

Don't hand flyers to random people walking down the aisle. (one of FabTech rules is not selling on the event floor if you dont have a booth)

Don’t go to any of the paint marker companies and draw your logo BIG on their marker demo boards.

And remember… respect goes a long way.

People remember professionalism… They also remember the opposite.

Build your reputation for the right reasons. Promote yourself but know the difference between promoting the right way to help your name and hurting your name.

The After Parties

I'm not going to tell anyone they need to drink.

That's not the point. The point is...

Go!!!

If you're invited to an industry gathering... Attend.

The atmosphere changes completely after the show floor closes.

People relax….

Conversations become more natural.

You're no longer talking across a booth.

You're simply talking as people.

I've had some of my best conversations in this industry outside the convention center.

Not because business was being discussed.

Because life was.

Friendships - Families - Projects. - Ideas.

That's where relationships start becoming genuine.

Whether you stay for thirty minutes or three hours...

Don't overlook the value of simply being present.

We'll dedicate an entire future Members article to FabTech after parties, industry events, and making the most of your evenings while you're there.

Final Thoughts

FabTech is an incredible event.

But the machines aren't what make it special.

The people are.

The conversations are.

The friendships are.

The opportunities are.

Every person on that show floor started somewhere.

Every company was once unknown.

Every partnership began with someone introducing themselves.

Go with curiosity.

Go with humility.

Go ready to learn.

Go ready to help others.

Go ready to shake hands.

Go ready to listen more than you speak.

Most importantly...

Go as yourself.

You don't need to be the loudest person in the room.

You don't need the biggest YouTube channel.

You don't need a million followers.

You simply need to be authentic, respectful, willing to learn, and willing to build relationships over time.

I've learned that the welding industry is much smaller than most people think.

The bridges you build today may become some of the most valuable relationships of your career five or ten years from now.

Take your time.

Enjoy the experience.

And remember...

The real success of FabTech isn't measured by how many bags of swag you bring home.

It's measured by how many ideas, friendships, and opportunities you leave with.

Jonny's FabTech Success Checklist

Before you leave for FabTech:

✓ Research the companies you want to visit.

✓ Follow them on social media.

✓ Introduce yourself online before the show.

✓ Wear your own brand.

✓ Pack comfortable shoes.

✓ Bring business cards and plenty of stickers.

✓ Bring your own PPE if you plan to demo equipment.

✓ Charge your phone and bring a battery pack.

✓ Take photos.

✓ Create content.

✓ Ask questions.

✓ Try equipment.

✓ Meet new people.

✓ Attend an after-hours event if you have the opportunity.

✓ Follow up with the people you meet after you return home.

The show may only last a few days...

But the relationships you build can last a lifetime.

Thanks for reading and hope this article series helps!! We cant wait to see you all at FabTech and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.

These banner advertisements are brought to you by businesses we know, support, and are proud to work with. Please consider supporting them as they support Slag Tag Media. This is a curated, closed-circuit advertising program featuring carefully chosen businesses, products, and services that we want represented across our network. Interested in advertising? Contact slagtagmedia@gmail.com 〽️

↙️ Explore more articles below. ↘️