As you head off to the trade shows this summer, your smart phone may be as important a tool as a good supply of business cards and comfortable walking shoes.  Think of the phone as a mini computer and camera in one, and plan ahead to make the best use of these features.

The New York International Gift Fair has its own app available in the iTunes store for free.  The NYIGF Finder is a mobile app that works on an iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. (Don’t worry about the fact that the name of the app is New York International Gift Fair 2012 — it has been updated.)  This app, which is designed for both exhibitors and attendees at the New York International Gift Fair, provides updated, searchable information on exhibitors, product lines, floor plans and shuttle information. You can choose to receive push notifications to download the latest exhibitor information. You can also create and view an online walking list to make sure you don’t forget which booths to visit while you’re at the show.

The Dallas Market Center also offers an app through iTunes with floor plans, exhibitor lists and a schedule of events.  Their app also shows you where you can find food at the show, which is always good to know.  The marts might also consider adding one that shows where the bathrooms are!

Atlanta’s AmericasMart offers an online program call MyMarket! Plan which you can use to search for exhibitors, track appointments, book travel and register for seminars.  You can download information so that it can be accessed on your smart phone, or print it out to access it the old-fashioned way.

In addition to these show-specific apps, you can use your iPhone to bring notes to market about special orders and inventories. (Sure beats dragging a cart full of files behind you!) You can also take notes during the show about products and specials. Of course the camera in your phone makes it easy to take photos of products and display ideas — but always ask permission first.  Companies concerned about having their products copied may not wish to have them photographed by someone who is not already a customer.

Gone is the day when it was so hard to get cell phone coverage in most market buildings that buyers and vendors alike would roam the halls looking for the best reception. And that means that you can also use your phone as, well, a phone — calling your store to check on stock levels on certain items, or to get feedback from your staff about a line you are considering.  And that’s just one more way that your smart phone can make you a smarter buyer.

Happy Retailing,

Carol “Orange” Schroeder