Marking my fifth Pumper & Cleaner Environmental Expo International in February, I still remember my first show, walking into the vastness of the exhibit hall when I couldn’t tell a vacuum truck from a portable restroom. (Don’t worry, I figured it out pretty quickly.)

The Expo can feel overwhelming for first-time attendees, but the experience and knowledge gained are well worth the time and money spent. 

I’ve been lucky enough to meet many of you because part of my job involves interviewing attendees, seminar leaders and exhibitors for videos. You’ve probably seen me with a camera guy wandering around the show floor. We’re the video crew, and we create videos and post them on the Expo website (www.pumpershow.com), to our Facebook pages and onto exhibitor websites.

And I’ve also learned a lot from you during my years at the Expo, which runs this year from Feb. 24-27 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Ind. Now it’s my turn to pass along some helpful tips to make your show more enjoyable. Here’s some advice for Expo goers, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time attendee:

Plan of action

As North America’s largest trade show for the environmental services industry – with 500,000 square feet of exhibits and new technology – using a virtual floor plan is a great way to ensure you see it all. The online tool – available on the Expo website – will help you plan each day so you don’t miss anything.

The floor plan offers a quick and easy way to find exhibits and products. A graphic layout shows where each company is exhibiting and provides booth number, website, and phone number and address.

Look up companies and products with the “Search the Show” option in the upper left-hand corner of the floor plan page. For example, a search for “Pipeline Rehabilitation/Lining” will highlight all the exhibits on the floor plan that have those products.

You can also create a show planner to save personal information, company and product information, and keep a schedule of educational seminars.

The mobile website on your smartphone is another helpful tool for planning your time at the Expo. You can search exhibitors to quickly find booth numbers, click the calendar icon to see educational seminar schedules and locations, or use the map of Indianapolis to find local restaurants.

Sign up for Facebook and Twitter updates on the mobile site to stay informed on everything happening at the show.

Daily dose

Ensure you have the most current seminar schedules and company list with the complimentary Expo Daily, the official daily publication of the Pumper & Cleaner Expo.

The publication is available each day on stands at the main registration entrance, and includes daily events, news from the show floor, seminar tracks, COLE Pub hours and lunch options in the hall.

Articles sprinkled throughout the publication offer tips and tricks for how to make the most out of your time at the show, including nightlife options, Indy attractions and restaurant suggestions. Exhibitors also like to include specific times for product demonstrations and special offers in their booths.

A great assortment of current photos from the show floor also brings the publication to life. Grab yours each morning and peruse it as you wait for the exhibit hall doors to open.

Meet and greet

The Expo is the best place to meet other contractors and municipal managers from across the nation and around the world who face similar industry issues. Whether you’re strolling the show floor or sitting down for lunch, introduce yourself to someone new. You’re all there for the same reasons – to gain some knowledge, buy a new piece of equipment and network with your peers.

If you’re not the type to just walk up to someone and start a conversation, maybe now is the time to give it a try. What’s the worst that could happen? You meet a new friend or colleague who helps you figure out how to make more money or expand your business.

The COLE Pub, located in the back of the hall next to the main concession area, is another great place to build your professional network. Open Monday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the Expo, the COLE Pub is a fun way to relax, have a drink and make a new acquaintance. 

As part of the video crew, I interview attendees, which usually involves randomly walking up to some of you. I’ve learned a lot from having candid conversations about why you enjoy the Expo. I’ve heard so many words of appreciation from attendees for the COLE staff and the overall show, and I can’t thank you all enough for making the show a great and informative experience.

We couldn’t do it without you. If you have suggestions or questions for me or any of the editors, stop by and see us at the editors’ booth located between registration and the main exhibit hall entrance. See you in February!