Before my first retirement I went to a lot of trade shows, conferences and industry events. Most of the time I was working as part of a sales team to represent a company but sometimes I went as a participant for continuing education. I have only stayed in a few hostels through my travels this year. So, I decided to live in hostels exclusively for the past two weeks through Croatia. I have found an interesting correlation between trade show life and hostel life. You can’t argue with facts derived from scientific research. Yes, that is what I am doing, using all of my airline miles accrued from attending hundreds of trade shows to perform scientific research for you. You’re welcome:
| Trade Shows | Hostels |
| I sort of felt like I was working but I sort of felt like I was on vacation. | I sort of feel like I’m on vacation from my vacation. |
| Some people go to bed early to actually see the trade show the next day, some people stay up all night at the bar. | Some people go to bed early to actually see the country the next day, some people stay up all night at the bar. Some people stay up for three days straight. |
| I was almost always the youngest. | I am almost always the oldest. |
| At first, there seems to be no rules, the next day you get fired. | At first, there seems to be no rules, the next day you get deported. |
| Small talk is key: “Where are you from?” | Small talk is key: “What company do you work for?” Yes, I mixed these up during many hostel conversations. |
| You are lucky to get out of there with one good sales lead. | You are lucky to get out of there without bed bugs or something worse. |
| The most interesting people have worked for at least 5 companies in the industry and you have no idea why. | The most interesting people speak at least 5 languages and you have no idea how. |
| Sometimes you have to stay up late to finish (start) the presentation that you have to give the next day. | Sometimes you have to stay up late to finish (start) booking your accommodation for the next night. |
| Some people are going back to work, some are going to the next trade show. | Some people are going home, some are going to the next hostel. |
| You always leave feeling sick because you have real work to catch up on. | You always leave feeling sick because you are. |
| It’s a great way to meet people even if you dread going. | It’s a great way to meet people, they all say I look 26. |
| Alcohol is served and everyone acts like they just turned 21. Shots! | Everyone actually just turned 21 and they act the same. Shots! |
Conclusion: Hire your next sales person directly from a hostel, trust me, they are pros. They don’t really need to finish University anyway. Of course I coached them all to sell their TVs!
People don’t put enough charts in blog posts. Thank you for fixing that with this super awesome one.
Haha, you are welcome. Thanks for noticing!!
Oh man. You finally encouraged me to send a response. (The Spanish motocross story did it but I was busy). I love the comparison because I too have toured the “trade show circuit” (with you!) and as stayed in Hostels and can relate to the nuances of both. I would emphatically state that Hostels far exceed the joys of the trade show circus.
What I really want to say is that I am so excited for you to have these amazing life experiences, AND to live a little vicariously through your words and pictures. I really enjoy your stories and look forward to hanging out with you again and hearing more details of your awesome travel experiences! Be safe my friend.
HAHAHA! Thanks for the comments JW. “Trade show circus” – well said. I hope all is well with you and the family!