Tips & tricks for your job as a trade fair hostess

If you do your job well, you get praise, positive reinforcement and are very likely to be booked again. This makes work the most fun, as you feel encouraged in what you do. You quickly feel comfortable at the stand and have a good time. If you haven’t had many assignments yet, it’s normal to be a little unsure or even nervous. After all, every job is different and you can expect a new team, a new industry and a new working environment at every trade fair. Over time, you will become more and more confident and remain confident in every situation. We want to help you prepare perfectly for your job and fulfill it in the best possible way.

In this article, we provide you with tips on appearance, outfit, preparation, but also on your areas of responsibility and how you can fulfill them perfectly.

Topic optics

What is the dress code for hostess jobs?

In principle, you should of course appear well-groomed, well-rested and fit for your job as a trade fair hostess. An attractive appearance is always welcome and serves as a figurehead. Your hair should be freshly washed, your nails well-groomed and your clothes clean and ironed. The customer often specifies in advance which outfit is desired. If not, it is advisable to ask in good time. The most common dress codes are business or business casual. Most trade fairs are trade fairs and companies strive to make a serious impression. The hostess who supports them during this time should also look accordingly. +

For the business dress code, trouser suits or a business outfit with a skirt are generally expected. This is a matching blazer-trousers or blazer-skirt combination. A blouse is worn underneath, or a shirt if the fabric is of high quality. The classic, however, is black trousers, white blouse and black blazer. The skirt should not be too short and should come down to the knees and should only be worn with tights. Tip: always have a spare pair of tights with you! Everything else, e.g. matching colors, can be discussed.

The dress code for business casual can be a little more relaxed, but it should still be clear that you are there on business and present yourself accordingly. An example of this could be combining a blazer and blouse with jeans. Sometimes clean, neat sneakers can also be worn in this case.

Unless otherwise mentioned, black pumps or loafers/moccasins are the usual footwear. The colors black and white are both timeless and elegant. You can’t go wrong with that.

Topic Areas of responsibility

What tasks can you have as a hostess?

The tasks of trade fair hostesses are diverse. Depending on what the company needs support with at its trade fair stand, there are also different tasks. Decisive factors can include the industry, product, target group, type and objective of the event (B2C or B2B). A conscientious work ethic that remains steadfast even in stressful situations is always a prerequisite. Good manners are also desirable. Frequent jobs at trade fairs include: looking after information desks, customer contact, light service, translations, distributing flyers, sales, replenishing information material, photo campaigns and more.

Jobs as a service hostess

Use quiet phases to prevent stressful phases: check whether the fridge can be refilled; empty the coffee machine and fill the water tank; prepare coffee service (coaster, cup, spoon, creamer, biscuit); sort drinks crates/empties; wipe down tables; refill snacks on the tables; take away garbage.

Start the coffee machine as soon as you arrive at the stand in the morning. With large teams, the coffee rush can be so great that you can’t keep up and the machine is still heating up and nothing is prepared.

Serve guests as soon as they sit down or go to a table and clear the tables as soon as they leave. If glasses are empty, ask if they want anything else and if not, clear them away.

Jobs as Infohostess

It is very helpful and prevents many unpleasant situations if you make a list of which employees are at the stand. If visitors ask for a specific name, you don’t have to say that you have to ask someone first and speak to an employee, but can direct them directly and confidently to the right person. In an international company, you can also make a list of who is responsible for which country/region for the same reason. Otherwise, every time a visitor comes to you, you have to go back to an employee and ask them who you should speak to. This not only saves you time, but also demonstrates aplomb and avoids awkward situations.

Jobs as a model hostess

Always have a slight smile on your lips and strike a pose. Bear in mind that a camera could be pointed at you at any time and that photos could be taken of you without you realizing it. You don’t want any unflattering photos of yourself. Have a friendly charisma so that people know that they are allowed to photograph you.

General tips

Punctuality

Please be punctual enough to start work at the beginning of your working hours! Don’t wait until 9 sharp to go to the toilet or start putting on your make-up. It is also common practice to arrive at least 15-30 minutes early on the first day. Also expect traffic jams and complications with the train, as there may be a large crowd depending on the trade fair.

Cell phone at the workplace

Please leave your cell phone out. The customer will notice it negatively and find it unprofessional.

Teamplay

Integrate yourself into the team quickly. Most customers are happy when they quickly become familiar with you. If you get on well, the likelihood of repeat bookings is also higher. Over time, you will develop a feel for how relaxed the atmosphere at the stand is and when it is better to keep a low profile.

Positivity

Always be polite and never complain. Not even if you are specifically asked for your opinion or assessment and it feels like a legitimate constructive suggestion for improvement. You can tell the customer at the beginning that they can and should contact you directly if something needs to be improved, so that this improvement is still possible. If nothing is said and it is only communicated with the agency afterwards, it is already too late.

Preparation

Plan ahead what you can plan. Check whether you have an outfit that has been washed and ironed if necessary and put it out if necessary. Also check your journey as early as possible so that you still have time to reschedule if necessary. For longer distances, it is also worth taking a look at FlixBus, BlaBlaCar and co. Find out about the company you will be working with. The more you know on the first day, the more confident you will be and the more comfortable you will feel. This will help you avoid the unpleasant feeling of awkwardness on your first day.