Trade shows are an incredible opportunity to network, discover new technologies, and stay ahead of the ever-evolving life sciences industry. In 2025, ATS Life Science Systems will be at premier events worldwide, including MD&M West, Pharmapack, and Automatica, connecting with industry leaders and showcasing innovative solutions.

But attending a trade show is only as valuable as the effort you put in. This guide will help you prepare, engage, and turn insights into action so you leave with real value, not just a stack of brochures. Whether you’re looking to network, explore new technologies, or prove the ROI of trade shows to your company, this guide has you covered.

Let’s get started and make your next trade show a success.

Maximizing Your Trade Show Experience: Strategies for Success

Trade shows are packed with exciting opportunities, but the fast-paced environment and abundance of activities can easily feel overwhelming, making it challenging to focus on what truly matters. That’s why it’s essential to approach trade shows with a plan to help you maximize your experience without burning out. Here’s how you can make the most of your time—before, during, and after the event.

Before: Set Yourself Up for Success

To set yourself up for success, preparation is key. By planning, you can make the most of your time and focus on the opportunities that matter most.

  • Set Clear Goals: Identify what you hope to achieve at the event. Are you looking to create new connections? Learn more about various industry trends? Discover innovative solutions for your business? By defining your priorities, you’ll have a clear roadmap for the event.
  • Do Your Research: Take the time to familiarize yourself with the events schedule, including seminars, keynote speakers, and any after-hours networking opportunities to make the most of your experience. Researching ahead of time helps you stay organized, focus on what’s important, and ensures you don’t miss out on key opportunities that align with your goals.
  • Prioritize Your Time: Time is valuable, so make the most of it! Plan your route for the day, starting with the essentials, followed by exhibitors and sessions you’d like to see and those that would be nice to explore if time allows. Be sure to leave room for spontaneity, trade shows often reveal unexpected moments that can make your experience even more rewarding.

During: Engage and Explore

Once the trade show begins, focus on staying present, engaged, and open to endless opportunities.

  • Step Out of Your Comfort Zone: Trade shows are the perfect opportunity to explore beyond your usual interests and routines. Challenge yourself to visit booths or attend sessions that may not seem directly relevant to your role or business. Innovation often happens at the crossroads of different disciplines, so stepping outside the box could lead to connections or insights that transform how you think and work.
  • Beyond the Surface: Authenticity is key to driving growth, connection, and innovation in 2025. In a world constantly evolving with advancements in AI, technology, and industry progress, the ability to create meaningful human connection is more important than ever. Ask questions that spark genuine conversations—what drives their passion? How do they envision the future of the industry? This is where true innovation derives from—human connection!
  • Be a Social Connector: If you’re attending with colleagues or friends, introduce them to people you meet. Networking isn’t just about personal gain; helping others make connections can strengthen your relationships and open new doors for everyone involved.
  • Take Advantage of Interactive Opportunities: Many events offer hands-on activities, product demos, VR experiences, or live workshops. Don’t just observe—participate! Learning doesn’t come from just listening, it comes from immersing yourself in opportunities which gives you a deeper, comprehensive understanding of how solutions work and leaves a lasting impression.
  • Attend Smaller Sessions and Roundtables: While keynote speakers draw the biggest crowds, smaller sessions, workshops, or roundtables often provide more intimate settings for meaningful discussions. These can offer you unique perspectives and one-on-one interaction with up-and-coming thought leaders.
  • Take Note: With so much information coming at you, it’s easy to forget key takeaways. Find out if presentations will be available on the show app—if not, plan to take screenshots of slides or jot down quick notes. Record specific insights, names, and contact details to ensure you can revisit and implement what you’ve learned after the event.
  • Be Active on Social Media: During the event, actively follow event hashtags and relevant social media accounts to stay updated on everything happening around you. Share your own posts, insights, and thoughts, using hashtags to position yourself as a thought leader and spark meaningful conversations online. It’s not just about observing—it’s about engaging and creating your own network of connections.
  • Connect with ATS: With thousands of exhibitors, what makes ATS a must-visit? Because we’re not just showcasing products—we’re helping business drive real progress. If you’re looking to maximize your trade show experience and walk away with real value, ATS is the place to start.  Stop by our booth to:
    • See innovation in action with live demonstrations of our latest solutions.
    • Talk to industry experts who understand your challenges and can offer tailored insights.
    • Explore how automation and digital solutions can elevate your business.

After: Turn Insights into Action

The trade show doesn’t end when you leave the venue, it’s only the beginning. True value lies in how you apply everything you’ve learned and nurture the connections you’ve made.

  • Follow Up: Reach out to new connections promptly with personalized messages to thank them for their time or continue the conversations you started. A quick follow-up can leave a lasting impression and open the door to new opportunities.
  • Organize and Reflect: After the trade show, take time to consider and consolidate your notes, materials, and key takeaways while they’re fresh. Plan to summarize your experience in a short presentation or debrief for your team or manager, highlighting potential business opportunities. Focus on what’s relevant—whether it’s a strategy worth exploring, a technology that warrants further investigation, or a connection that could provide valuable insight into an existing or future project.

The ROI of Trade Shows: Why They’re Worth the Investment

The value of attending a trade show goes far beyond the event itself—it’s about how you leverage the experience to drive meaningful progress. By preparing intentionally, engaging deeply, and turning your insights into action, you can create a lasting impact for yourself and your organization.

If you’re looking to gain company support for attending a trade show, focus on the measurable value it brings:

  • Market Intelligence: Gain firsthand insights into industry trends, competitor strategies, and emerging innovations.
  • Strategic Networking: Connect with thought leaders, potential partners, and solution providers who can drive business growth.
  • Hands-On Learning: Experience new technologies and advancements that could enhance efficiency, reduce costs, or improve outcomes for your organization
  • Business Development: Identify potential clients, suppliers, or collaborators who can contribute to your company’s long-term success.

A well-planned trade show visit isn’t just an expense, it’s an investment in knowledge, connections and opportunities that can shape the future of your business.

What’s Next?

Are you ready to make the most of your trade show experience? Start by setting clear goals, mapping out your priorities, and preparing to engage fully. A well-planned approach will help you turn connections into opportunities and insights into action.

If you’re attending an event where ATS will be present, we’d love to connect. Visit our booth to explore cutting-edge solutions, speak with our experts, and discover how we can support your business.

Check out our upcoming events and plan your visit: Events – ATS Life Sciences

Let’s turn ideas into progress­—together.