If you haven't been to a home show, you're likely to be amazed. Every year they become more Las Vegas-like, with literally hundreds of exhibitors showing everything from driveway heaters to cupolas; exhibitors are there for the sole purpose of talking to you! In order to maximize your time at the show, you need to come up with a strategy that will aid you in getting the most out of the home show.

To begin, you'll want to divide your time among three categories: shopping, visiting exhibits and seeing demonstrations. First shopping. Believe it or not, today's home shows are about more than just speaking with plumbers, roofers, siding installers and heating/cooling companies! Make sure you have time, maybe near the end of the show so you don't have to carry your purchases around all day, to shop among the exhibitors who may be selling homemade salsa, spices, jelly, paintings, stained glass art, cleaning supplies and other attention getting products! My only caution (I know because I fell victim): be careful because some salespeople are very good. You might walk away with some new, must-have Swedish broom that you'll never use again.

Ok, so after you allow yourself an hour or so for shopping, be sure to allot time to visit and speak with exhibitors. The night before the show, think about your home. Consider the improvements that you might need in the coming years. Do you need new windows? A new furnace? Make a list of these future needs and questions you may ask about each one. For example, let's consider the furnace. When you visit a furnace company, you could ask what brand of furnace they install and the best time of year to buy a new furnace; winter, of course, is the worst time! Take this list to the show with you. When you get to the show, grab a map of the exhibit hall (someone will probably hand you one) and, armed with your list of needs, circle the exhibitors that you would like to visit. Here's where your strategy will pay off! Using the list you made last night as a guide, you can speak with the exhibitors that are most important to you and ask intelligent questions because you researched them in advance.

Finally, many home shows have demonstrations at certain times. Find out what time they are and, if you find them interesting, allot time to attend the demonstrations. Among others, you'll find home decorating, gardening, cooking and home theater demonstrations.

A bonus tip: you'll find plenty of freebies located throughout the show. Watch for free candy, pens, tote bags, screw drivers and note pads.

In conclusion, learn what you can and enjoy yourself as you wander through the maze of people, products and exhibits. Keep an eye out for your area's next home show!

Learn more about this author, R. William Weiss.
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