Tech trade show (OSCON) advice?
brk: I've done many tradeshows (as an exhibitor) with various budgets.People are going to walk around and surveil your booth from a distance before moving in to talk.  Spend the money to get some decent size displays.  Have some demo loops or videos with VERY BRIEF text that deftly articulates what you do, and your value prop.Put together a 5-10 demonstration.  Rehearse the hell out of it.  Find a presentation style that works for YOU and go with it.  Rent chairs for people to sit on and watch your demo.  They're walking around all day, a comfortable place to sit is welcome.Don't be afraid to have a little confidence or swagger.  People are taking their time to see you, so they have a presumption that what you are offering has value to them.  If you are timid, or too overly grateful for their time, you will look bad.Everyone will be giving away T Shirts.  I don't think they're worth much.  Have CDs with your docs and info and demos on them.  That is, IME, what the "serious" attendees are after.  Bottled water (just generic water) is a better give away.  A case of water is $5.00, and the exhibit hall will be charging $4/bottle.  Don't worry about the water with your logo on it.Stand in/near the aisles and directly engage people.  Don't be overly stalkerish about it, but don't let people just walk idly by either.  Make sure you scan badges or whatever and collect contact info.  You may have to practically demand it in some cases, but that is OK.Don't eat or drink in the booth.  Be clean and happy and appear approachable.  Don't play iPhone games, or get all hunched over your laptop checking email or passing time.Budget ALL DAY to set up and debug your demo.  Even if it's just 3 slides on a laptop.Go to the local Wal Mart, buy some plants to add a little character to the booth.  Return them at the end of the show :)  (done this more than once myself ;) )Everything you buy or rent there is 2x more expensive than normal.  Find out where the local retailers are so you can get last minute items in a hurry.  Ship down whatever you can.  Contact local exhibit company and see if they can cut you a really good last minute deal on some basic booth furniture demo pods/etc.I personally think that tradeshows can be very effective if managed well.If I think of anything else, I'll add it in later.  If you need more help, my contact info is in my profile.