While working for coauthor, friend and mentor John Mengelson, I remember he was very fond of saying that when you attended a trade show or seminar, if you came back to the office with at last one good idea, the expense of the trip was worthwhile.  However, finding that one nugget may be troublesome for many first timers to trade shows, especially when they might be enticed by the free meals and drinks many vendors make available.

Jennifer Manloew, PhD, author of Polishing the Mirror: 90 Days to Vocational Clarity, offers 10 tips for making the most at seminars and trade shows.

1. Take interesting notes.  "As Harry Truman would say, "The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all.'"
2. Translate your handwritten notes by writing them down in a journal or typed into your computer.  this helps you make the points your own.
3. Save the best quotes that you heard or read, especially those that support your own philosophy, mission or values.
4. Get into the conversation.  Troubleshoot with others, swap stories and share struggles.  besides gaining information, it helps you build up your network.
5. Speak up when you are invited to do so by presenters.  Don't be shy to ask questions about what you don't know.
6. Clairfy your elevator speech by listening to others communicate their own.  Look for the unique ways others make themselves visible.
7. Be willing to learn from the pros.  No matter what their age, seminar speakers have proven experiences that may save you a ton of mistakes.
8. Don't give up before the miracle.  "As Thomas Edison said: 'Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up."
9. Stay curious and resilient.  Success is about remaining curious and willing to grow and learn from others--including clients.  If you are not willing to change, then you'll be the ones who remain hungry and resentful.
10. Keep building your network.  This includes not only clients, but also vendors, suppliers and peers.

As a final point, when your team returns from trade shows and seminars, do you require a formal, written recap of what each person gained from the event?  It might make a good best practice.