Let’s get one thing straight: no one really knows how to master a trade show floor perfectly, not even me, a brand manager with more than a few under her belt. Some people wing it, others overthink every move, and both sides usually end up exhausted and overwhelmed, dragging home a suitcase full of tote bags, energy bars, and that all-too-familiar feeling of “I’ll do it differently next time.”
After plenty of miles (and mistakes), here’s my personal guide to tackling Newtopia Now with your sanity (and sneakers) intact.
Step 1: Overthink It and Underthink It
Sounds like a contradiction, but trust me, this is the secret.
Overthink your game plan: your goals, dream connections, sample strategy, and schedule.
Underthink the moment-to-moment stuff:
Should I say hi to that marketing rep? Yes.
Should I take the free kombucha? Sure.
Am I networking right? Stop. You're doing great.
This isn’t a silent retreat. You’re here to connect, learn, and get inspired (and okay, maybe grab a snack or two). Keep things flexible, but purposeful.
Step 2: Do a Little Homework (Because You Still Have Time)
Newtopia Now is small on purpose. It’s a curated destination for discovering the next wave of conscious CPG innovation, where emerging and expanding brands connect with retailers, investors, and industry leaders shaping the future of natural and organic.
Before your badge hits the lanyard:
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Make a “must-see” list of exhibitors.
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Pinpoint the people you actually want to meet and connect with them on LinkedIn.
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Aim for quality over quantity; you’re not expected to see it all.
You don’t want to be building a strategy mid-floor while meeting a founder handing you their adaptogenic drink. Do the prep beforehand.
Step 3: Download the App. Seriously.
The Newtopia Now event app is your floor map, your agenda, and your lifeline. You’ll find:
It’s your cheat sheet for not getting lost and maximizing your time. Use it.
Step 4: Have a Sample Strategy
If you leave with a bunch of free swag and three pounds of beef jerky, you’re doing it wrong. Ask yourself:
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Am I here for packaging inspiration? Take photos. Get the right samples.
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Looking for investment opportunities? Maybe you don’t need 10 pounds of snacks.
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Doing trend research? Be selective across categories.
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Sourcing ideas for clients? Think with their needs in mind.
Step 5: Walk Smart, Not Hard
You will get tired, so plan for it. Schedule mental and physical breaks throughout the day, and leave buffer time for those inevitable surprise conversations and unexpected detours. Keep space open for client and vendor calls because real life doesn’t hit pause when you’re at a trade show. Use the show’s “neighborhood” layout to map your route and avoid extra steps. And seriously, this is not the time for new shoes. Stick with the comfy ones. The trusted ones. Your feet will thank you.
Step 6: Leverage the Quiet Power of a Smaller Scale
Big shows can be chaotic. Newtopia Now isn’t. Walk in with intention; let this be your power move.
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Have longer convos (quality over quantity).
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Follow up on the spot (connect on LinkedIn and keep the momentum going).
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Swing back around if someone’s busy (timing matters).
- This show is designed for real connection. Don’t waste it.
And here’s something worth remembering: exhibitors at Newtopia Now have a clear mission—to meet buyers, close deals, and grow their business. That means, as service providers, we have the exciting opportunity to support our current clients, build authentic relationships with potential ones, and stay connected to the latest industry trends and innovations happening right on the show floor.
Step 7: Content is Everywhere. Share your Insights
If you’re handling social, this show is a gold mine. But don’t get so caught up in posting that you miss what’s happening in real life.
Quick, easy wins:
Be real. Be useful. Be present. That’s the content people actually care about.
Step 8: The Real Work Happens Afterward
Your Newtopia Now wins aren’t measured in badges collected or tote bags stuffed.
They’re in:
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The quality of the convos you had.
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The insights you bring back.
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The leads and ideas you follow up on.
So yes, crush the floor, but save some energy for the wrap-up.
Newtopia Now: Approach
Here's your Newtopia Now approach that will help you network like a pro without losing your mind (or your energy):
1. Overthink your strategy. Underthink the awkward networking spiral. You’ve got this.
2. Make a “must-see” list of exhibitors before you arrive.
3. Do your research (the app is your BFF).
4. Sample with purpose, not impulse.
5. Wear good shoes. Seriously.
6. Choose quality chats over quick card swaps.
7. Make it content-rich, not content-heavy.
8. And don’t forget to follow up; those connections shouldn’t stay behind on the show floor.
Catch me on the floor: comfy sneakers, one well-earned tote, and a game plan that actually works (give or take a kombucha).
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