This post is a continuation of graphic design tip #34 in our article “101 Graphic Design Tips for Business Success.“

Educational And Network Opportunities

Tradeshows and seminars are great for many things, including:

Educational opportunities

• Learn about competition
• Learn best business practices
• Learn about the industry
• Learn about new products and technology
• Etc…

Opportunities to network

• Fellow designers
• Potential clients
• Teachers, speakers, experts, etc…

Attend Graphic Design Events

One thing that you will never regret is attending a tradeshow or seminar. It is a great way to get away from the computer and interact. Odd are some of the material you create will land at an event. Schedule time several times a year to open your mind to new possibilities and see what other people are doing to design and market for their products.

Attend at least one Graphic Design related event a year. A Graphic Design conference is worth the investment. The conference will feed your creativity and introduce you to field mentors with experience and advice that will sustain you through your career. Take lots of notes and try to implement the best practices and tips that you will learn. Usually the conference is accompanied by a small tradeshow with software, font, and paper vendors offering new product information and vying for your business. These vendors can be great point people for future projects, pricing, and recommendations.

If you can’t attend a Graphic Design conference, keep an open mind to attending other events. Seek out tradeshows and seminars that are related to a current client’s business or select an industry that interests you. These events are great for networking and research for the future. It’s a wonderful way to scope out event graphics and handouts. Monitor what you find to be effective, notice which booths or speakers have the most action. What are they doing right? Are the graphics appealing? How can you implement some of the same techniques into your design?

Attending seminars and tradeshows will help you keep your finger to the pulse of design trends and new technology. Come prepared to network and keep your business card handy, get ready to learn and have some fun outside of the office.