How to Host a Trade Show Networking EventIn Feburary 2016 26,

In Feburary 2016 26,
Reserve a venue several months in advance and make sure it will accommodate the crowd size you're anticipating. An event doesn't have to be in a huge convention center to be a successful trade show. Look into conveniently located banquet halls, hotels, churches and schools.
Seek out sponsors to help defray the expenses of the trade show. Radio stations and newspaper publishers make great sponsors as you can generally barter free advertising in exchange for booth space at event.
Layout your floor plan and solicit vendors. Draw a detail of the setup and allow vendors to choose their booth space. Be sure and give your sponsors exhibit areas that are larger than the average booth space.
Line up some entertainment to help attract crowds and keep visitors there longer. Invite subject matter experts to speak or give demonstrations and schedule them well in advance so you can include the information in your advertising.
Send vendors an exhibitor's kit 4 to 6 weeks before the trade show. Include a cover letter thanking them for their participation and a list of things they need to know such as setup and tear down times, loading dock access, venue restrictions and contact information.
Prepare your marketing materials and get them distributed in the weeks prior to the trade show. Use posters, ads in newspapers or magazines, radio spots and flyers distributed through a chamber of commerce, school or other outlet that pertains to the theme of your event.
Set up the exhibit and staging areas a day or two before the event, depending on its size. Then allow vendors in the night before or early the morning of the show to set up their booth displays.
In Feburary 2016 26,

How to Not be Awkward at a PartyIn Feburary 2016 06,

In Feburary 2016 06,
When I moved by myself to a new city, I wanted very badly to meet people and resume a normal social life. Normally outgoing and easy to make friends, I found myself a hermit for basically a year until a co-worker from another office across town invited me to a party. Boy, was it awkward for me to get back into the swing of things and reconnect with my old self - the one who knew how to have fun at any party!
One important thing to do when feeling awkward at a party is to assume a role or take on a job. A great way that I have found to feel like you're blending right in is to show up a little early (make sure it's ok with the host or hostess first) and help them with food, decorations, etc. This not only helps the person hosting the party, but it also ensures that you will be introduced to people one-by-one as they enter Way better than showing up late when everyone is already there and the party is in full swing!
Can't show up early? You can still assume a job no matter what time you get there. Help the host with serving drinks, help make cocktails, or take the birthday card around for everyone to sign. Keep your eyes open and you will see a role that needs to be filled! This is a great way to mingle and meet people, and you won't feel awkward doing it since you have a purpose.
Obviously you know someone at the party (at least a little), or else you wouldn't be there. Be bold and ask your acquiantance to introduce you to some of his or her friends. Even if you just meet them in passing at first, you can take note of who seemed friendly or who you had something in common with, and go back and visit them later.
Go with an open mind. Parties are for fun and mingling, so don't be a wallflower! If your connection at the party is busy, be outgoing and introduce yourself to people. Even if you feel like you have nothing to say, you can just open with, 'Hi, I'm _____. Great party! How do you know (host/hostess)?' and go from there.
Parties don't have to be intimidating! Have fun and go with a goal of meeting at least one new person that you will hang out with in the future/network with in the business world/play tennis with, etc.
In Feburary 2016 06,