Trade shows are stressful. That’s why we write about the best things to wear, pack, use and do while you are at industry shows. Summer trade shows provide their own array of concerns, especially for corporate attire. If you are planning on going corporate for 2012’s summer shows, you’ll likely face the following questions: How do you wear a suit in 100-degree weather? What does ocean air do to a sleek corporate hairstyle? Are sandals sturdy enough to walk the show floor? (Footwear seems to be a constant concern for us.)
Ties:
GQ recently created a guide for wearing ties. As I mentioned over a year ago, I like ties. Like any good accessory, it stands out in a good way and gives the wearer a memorable characteristic. If you decide to don a tie in Atlantic City, Chicago or Long Beach, don’t be afraid to embrace summer style with seersucker, bright plaid or floral designs.
Blazers:
Show floors are often freezing to accommodate for the mass of people inside and humidity and heat outside. This means the polo or sundress you favor during the summer won’t work while you are booth trekking. An easy way to dress up your casual duds is with a blazer. Most men already know the appeal of blazers, but women are often more tentative to embrace them. Ladies, you don’t have to be Veronica Corningstone to pull off a blazer. You just need a good tailor and some killer confidence. Bonus points if it is pastel (that goes for men and women).
Dresses:
A well-kept mid-length dress is an essential for any woman. It is the dress you can throw on with stockings in the winter or sandals in the summer. This dress is perfect for summer trade shows, because you can add a sweater for the show floor and remove it for an outdoor lunch or drinks.
Linen Suits:
Though somewhat popularized (and perhaps undermined) by Miami Vice, linen suits are actually perfect for summer sales calls. They keep you comfortable and chic. Plus, as Crockett and Tubbs can attest, they transfer well from work to play.
Whatever Is Comfortable:
If this summer is anything like last summer, comfort is all that matters. With constant humidity and 102-degree heat lasting well into the night, cotton and wicking materials are the only way to survive. Also, bathing suits, but those may only be appropriate on Atlantic City’s boardwalk.
