APCO Exhibit Hall (Photo Courtney McCain)

More than 350 companies that specialize in the equipment and services unique to public safety communications will be exhibiting at the conference this year. You’ll have an opportunity to check out the new products, ask vendors about innovations and software updates, and see what’s on the horizon for the industry.

For first time and veteran attendees, the exhibit hall can be overwhelming. With so much to do, such as meet with the vendors you already have relationships with and comparison shop for new radios and equipment, how do you plan to survive? One thing is certain, you won’t get a better chance to see so many public safety communications products in one place.

The 2010 show in Houston is a new conference style for everyone. The biggest change is that it’s a day shorter than in previous years. It also consolidates the show and training sessions into a more meaningful time frame, ultimately allowing attendees to get the education and experience while saving money on travel expenses.

Everyone has their own method of tackling the exhibit hall. One method is to start at one end and go down every aisle until you get to the other. But this year, the ceremonious exhibit hall opening is also a celebration and social event. On Sunday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. you have the opportunity to get your exhibit hall bearings in a relaxed environment during the Welcome Reception. Here you can learn how to navigate the hall in general and find out where your must see vendors are, while networking and enjoying yourself. This event can make your next two days in the hall more effective and efficient—for the sake of both your feet and schedule.

By all means, Sunday won’t be your only pass through the hall. Make sure you note the locations of companies you need to see and products that jumped out at you. On your second trip through the hall, tote bag in hand, start collecting literature and chatting with the company representatives. If the representatives at one booth are swamped with attendees and you need to get to a session or committee meeting, makes sure you write down the company’s booth number and what you were going to ask. That way you can come back later. (Don’t forget to drop your card in the fishbowls for the company giveaways.)

This exhibit hall method will most likely mean that your third pass through the hall will be on Tuesday, the last day it’s open. This final run is to meet with the people and companies you missed earlier and get any other literature or information.

Making the most of your time during the conference can be difficult. But with a battle plan, you should have plenty of time to see all the gadgets and technological advancements the exhibit hall has to offer, as well as network and make it to sessions and meetings. For more information about what companies are exhibiting and what else to expect in Houston, visit www.apco2010.org.