Every year, thousands of business people across all industries attend trade shows, conventions, and comparable events. NAPE, or North American Prospect Expo, is the biggest and most respected expo in the oil and gas industry. Business people from all over the world meet at NAPE, make new connections, and learn more about the trade. This year, it’s estimated that NAPE South will see 17,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors. So why should you go? Here are five reasons:
Networking
One of the main reason business people attend expos is to expand their network connections within the industry. Expos bring together industry experts from around the world, giving business representatives a chance to interact with other professionals they might never meet otherwise. At NAPE, the expo begins with an “icebreaker” event designed to let industry professionals intermingle and initiate deals. Building and creating new relationships in any industry is a powerful networking tool. In the gas and oil world, it’s critical to a business’s success.
Learning
They say knowledge is power, and nothing empowers a business owner more than knowing his or her trade inside and out. Conventions let business owners meet and learn from each other, in addition to introducing new thinkers in the industry. Expos like NAPE are packed full of conferences, seminars from leading executives and guest speakers, and a plethora of industry information. Business owners can learn about changing regulations and industry trends.
NAPE also features annual exhibitors that introduce new technology in the oil and gas industry. Learning about new business techniques, technological advances, and changing laws and regulations gives business owners a powerful toolkit for running their companies.
Keep an Eye on the Competition
One very stealthy but effective reason to attend an expo is to observe the competition. If your competitor is attending, it only makes sense that you should, too. Often, some of the biggest names in the industry will be present at a convention, which can give your competitor a significant advantage if you’re not also attending. Additionally, when attending an expo, you can network with your competition to find out what makes them successful and what doesn’t. Learn from each other and engage in creative brainstorming. Who knows? A successful business relationship just might bloom from it.
Giveaways
Conventions are full of free stuff, or “swag.” While this is probably not a primary concern of every business owner, it’s certainly an added benefit. Exhibitors want to be remembered should you need their services in the future. Giving away branded materials is one of the main marketing techniques these exhibitors use to stay fresh in your mind. For you, that means a lot of useful items and even more useful connections. Be prepared to be showered with pens, tote bags, t-shirts, office gear, coupons, trial products, and anything else you can imagine. These seemingly meaningless takeaways are actually a great way to start a relationship with another business and grow your network further.
Most of All: Fun
Convention attendees don’t just go for the learning and networking opportunities. They go because conventions are fun. NAPE gives oil and gas industry professionals a way to unwind while fostering relationships and growth. Everyone in the industry looks forward to the NAPE icebreaker event, and the conferences and exhibits are engaging and informational.
One of the best ways to learn something is to have fun while doing it, and NAPE certainly affords attendees this luxury. There’s a reason why expo attendance grows so much every year. It’s a venue where business owners go to trade information and expertise while having a good time with other industry leaders.
