I try and pre-plan as many meetings as possible beforehand. I then also try and coordinate panel engagements (a great way to meet new people btw) and also make sure i go to the speed networking which is a complete MUST! Make sure you bring twice as many business cards as you think you will need as i always end up giving them all out and regretting it later why i didn't bring more.
On top of that i try and make sure i either take clients out for dinner (at least one night during the show) or go to a couple of other pre-planned dinners with people we work with to keep up connections and relationships. I also make sure whenever I don't have a meeting to hang around the hotel bar as it's always the "hub" for the tradeshow. Everyone at one point or another will end up there and I am always up for a beer and talk some shop. Also make sure you drink alot of water if you copy my approach you don't want to pass out too early or be a sloppy drunk LOL! ;-)
I am a night owl so i try to make it out to all the late night parties and try and close as much business as i can (that's usually my specialty).
One of the biggest tips i can suggest to new people is to bring a notepad with you (everywhere you go) and at least a few pens. When you're having a meeting with a potential client make SURE you write down everything. That way as the day goes along thru other meetings you will have all the information you need and you won't forget anything. Also make sure when you take someone's card you make a specific note of which person this was and what potential business you could work on. Sure makes it easier when you are wading thru hundreds of cards a week later back at the office and you have no idea what this guy did or how you can work together.
Anyways i hope that helps, i have picked up most of these tips over the last 11 years from other successful salespeople in the industry.
