Let’s be honest. Walking back into a bustling convention hall after a few years of virtual meetings can feel… strange. The energy is still there, sure. The handshakes, the booth swag, the din of a thousand conversations. But the rules have shifted. Maybe permanently.
Post-pandemic trade show etiquette isn’t just about being polite anymore. It’s a nuanced dance between rekindling human connection and respecting new, often unspoken, boundaries. It’s about reading the room—literally. This guide is your new playbook for navigating that space with confidence, respect, and genuine success.
The New Fundamentals: Mindset & Preparation
Gone are the days of just showing up. Post-event networking now requires a bit more intentionality. Think of it like this: you’re not just attending an event; you’re curating an experience—for yourself and for everyone you meet.
Pre-Show Outreach is Non-Negotiable
Don’t wait for serendipity. Use the event app or LinkedIn to schedule brief, specific meet-ups. A message like, “I saw you’ll be at Booth 410. I’d love to chat for 10 minutes about your new logistics solution,” is golden. It shows respect for time, which is everyone’s most precious commodity now.
Pack a “Connection Kit”
Beyond business cards (which, yes, still have a place), think practically. Hand sanitizer. Breath mints. A portable phone charger. And here’s a pro-tip: a small notepad. Jotting a note while someone talks feels more personal and engaged than frantically tapping on your phone screen. It signals, “You have my full attention.”
The Greeting Dilemma: To Shake or Not to Shake?
This is the most visible symbol of the shift in professional networking etiquette. The key? Always offer a choice. Lead with a warm, clear verbal greeting and a slight nod or wave. You can simply say, “Great to meet you in person!” and pause. Let the other person initiate a handshake if they’re comfortable.
A fist bump or an elbow tap? Honestly, they can feel forced. A genuine smile and eye contact often bridge the gap perfectly. The goal is to create an immediate sense of safety and respect, not to navigate some awkward secret handshake.
Conversation Flow in a Hybrid World
You know that feeling when a Zoom call lags? You don’t want your in-person chats to have that same disjointed energy. The best post-pandemic networking conversations are fluid, but mindful.
Start with context. “It’s so refreshing to be here live after so many webinars, isn’t it?” This acknowledges the shared experience and opens the door. Listen more than you talk. And be ready to pivot—some people will want to dive deep into business quickly; others might need a warmer, more personal lead-in.
And here’s a big one: respect the bubble. Be aware of personal space. If someone takes a small step back, don’t step forward. It’s not personal; it’s preference.
Booth Behavior: For Attendees & Exhibitors
If You’re Working the Booth
Your booth design matters more than ever. Is it an open, inviting flow, or a cramped closed-off fortress? Create clear zones. Have sanitizer visible. And for the love of good connections, don’t hover at the aisle edge with a forced pitch. A simple, “Welcome, feel free to take a look,” works wonders.
Train your team on non-verbal cues. Someone wearing a mask might prefer a bit more distance. Someone scanning a QR code themselves might not want an immediate demo. Read the room.
If You’re Visiting Booths
Have some mercy on the booth staff. They’ve been on their feet all day talking to hundreds. Be concise. Know what you want to ask. And if you pick up a product sample, well, it’s yours. Don’t put it back. That’s just basic germ etiquette now.
The Digital-Physical Handshake
This is where modern trade show strategy really comes alive. The connection starts live but continues online seamlessly.
| Action | The Old Way | The New, Better Way |
| Exchanging Info | Swap business cards, maybe scan a badge. | Scan badge, then immediately send a personalized LinkedIn invite referencing your chat. Add a note. |
| Following Up | Generic email blast days later. | Specific, value-add message within 24 hours. “Great talking about X. Here’s that article I mentioned.” |
| Sharing Materials | Heavy paper brochure. | “I’ll send you the one-pager digitally” – and then do it. |
Health & Comfort: The Unspoken Rules
This is the heart of post-covid event etiquette. It’s about shared responsibility.
- Stay home if you’re unwell. Full stop. The “power through” mentality is now a major faux pas. Virtual options are often available; use them.
- Respect mask choices. No commentary. No looks. Someone’s choice is theirs alone.
- Hand hygiene is visible. Using sanitizer after handling things or before eating isn’t just smart; it subtly signals you’re considerate of others.
- Navigate food & drink carefully. Cocktail hour is trickier. Maybe keep to the periphery if you’re nibbling, and always use a napkin. It’s clumsy, but mindful.
The Lasting Impression
So, what does all this add up to? It’s not a list of restrictive rules. Honestly, it’s quite the opposite.
These new best practices for trade show networking are fundamentally about empathy. They’re about recognizing that our collective experience has changed us. The most successful networkers now are those who prioritize clarity, consent, and genuine connection over volume of contacts. It’s quality over quantity, with a layer of thoughtful awareness.
The trade show floor is still a marketplace of ideas and opportunity. But now, the currency isn’t just what you sell. It’s how you make people feel—respected, heard, and safe. Master that, and you haven’t just adapted to the new world. You’re already leading in it.