Navigating Exhibition Stand Diplomacy: Managing Conflicting Product Managers

Exhibitions are bustling hubs of industry, where businesses showcase their latest innovations and vie for attention amidst a sea of competitors. But behind the glitz and glamour of the exhibition stand lies a potential minefield: managing multiple product managers who each believe their product is the show's star.

It's common for companies to have several product managers vying for attention and resources on the exhibition floor, each passionately convinced that their offering is the most important. While this dedication to their products can be admirable, it can also ignite tensions and conflicts if not handled with care.

So, how can you navigate this delicate situation and ensure harmony on your exhibition stand? Here are some practical strategies to consider: Establish Clear Goals and Priorities, Allocate Space and Resources Fairly, Practice Exclusive Representation, Create a Rotating Schedule, Empower a Lead Coordinator, Focus on Collaboration, Not Competition, and Celebrate Successes Together.

1. Establish Clear Goals and Priorities: Before the exhibition, meet all the product managers and establish clear goals and priorities for the event. Encourage open communication and collaboration to ensure everyone is aligned on the objectives.
2. Allocate Space and Resources Fairly: One of the most common sources of conflict is allocating space and resources on the exhibition stand. Allocating space based on the importance of each product manager's product and the expected foot traffic in that area will ensure that each gets a fair share of the spotlight.
3. Exclusive Representation: During design and production meetings with your stand builder, it is best to focus on you as the central point of contact. You maintain clarity and avoid potential conflicts or distractions by excluding the product managers from these meetings.
4. Create a Rotating Schedule: If space is limited and multiple products need to be showcased, consider creating a rotating schedule where each product manager gets dedicated time slots to demo their product. This ensures everyone gets their moment in the spotlight without overcrowding the stand.
5. Empower a Lead Coordinator: Designate a lead coordinator or project manager who facilitates communication and resolves conflicts between the product managers. This person should be a neutral mediator and ensure everyone's voice is heard.
6. Focus on Collaboration, Not Competition: Remind the product managers that they're all on the same team and that the ultimate goal is to promote the company. Encourage collaboration rather than competition and emphasize the significant benefits of presenting a unified front to customers.
7. Celebrate Successes Together: When the exhibition is over, take the time to celebrate the team's collective successes. Recognize each product manager's contributions and highlight the synergies achieved by working together.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively manage conflicting product managers and create a harmonious environment on your exhibition stand. But what happens if you don't address these conflicts head-on?

Ignoring the tensions between product managers can lead to a variety of adverse outcomes:

• Distracted Attendees: Conflicting messages and a lack of cohesion can confuse and overwhelm attendees, leading them to disengage and move on to competitors' booths.
• Internal Friction: Tensions between product managers can spill over into other business areas, creating a toxic work environment and hindering collaboration.
• Missed Opportunities: When product managers are focused solely on promoting their products, they may overlook opportunities for cross-selling and upselling that could benefit the company.

In short, managing conflicting product managers requires proactive communication, strategic planning, and a focus on collaboration rather than competition. By addressing tensions early and fostering a spirit of teamwork, you can be confident that your exhibition stand will be a showcase of unity and success.