I remember my first time attending Lesdrevmash. I had the flight booked, hotel sorted, and my badge printed. But once I arrived, I felt lost. I had no clear plan. I didn’t know which hall to start in.

I wasted time walking in circles and missed out on key suppliers I really needed to see.

That experience taught me a lesson: going to a big trade show without a clear plan is a mistake.

Now, after attending many trade shows like this, I know exactly what helps and what doesn’t. That’s why I wrote this guide. I want to help you feel prepared, focused, and confident when you walk in.

In this article, you’ll learn what to pack, how to plan your time, how to find the booths that matter, and how to avoid common mistakes. It’s simple, clear, and based on real experience.

By the end, you’ll have the tool you need to get ready for Lesdrevmash with no guesswork.

Let’s start!

1. Planning Your Objectives for the Event

Before you even step into the venue, you need to be clear about one thing:

Why are you attending Lesdrevmash?

It sounds simple, but I’ve met dozens of agents, dealers, and repair shop owners over the years who showed up without a clear plan. I used to be one of them. I thought I could just “see what’s out there.” But when everything around you is loud, fast, and packed with people, you lose focus quickly.

Define Your Primary Goals

Ask yourself:

• Are you looking to source new machines or technologies?
• Do you want to meet specific manufacturers or suppliers?
• Are you trying to understand current market pricing or explore machine specs?
• Do you need to compare competing brands?
• Are you there to build new partnerships or reconnect with existing ones?

You don’t have to pick just one. But you do need to rank your priorities. This gives your visit structure.

Break Down Your Goals Into Action Steps

Once you know your “why,” turn that into a plan:

• List 3–5 companies you must visit
• Highlight 2–3 products or categories to focus on (like CNC routers, spare parts, dust extraction systems)
• Set one networking goal — maybe meet one new local dealer, or speak with a parts manufacturer from a specific region
• Decide what insight you want to take home (market trends, tech upgrades, supply chain contacts)

2. Registering for Lesdrevmash

Let me share something with you the first time I attended Lesdrevmash, I waited too long to register.

I figured I’d handle it when I got there. What happened? I stood in line, searching my inbox, frustrated, while others were already walking the floor.

That’s when I learned: registration isn’t just a task. It’s part of your prep.

Event Details

• Date: October 21–24, 2024
• Time: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (local time)
• Venue: Expocentre Fairgrounds, Moscow accessible by metro or car
• What To Expect: Hundreds of booths covering woodworking machines, spare parts, furniture equipment, automation systems, and support services

If you’re in machine sales, service, or supply, this is your space to connect and learn.

How To Register

• Go To The Website: Visit https://www.lesdrevmash-expo.ru/en/ and click on “Visitor Registration.”
• Fill In Company Details: Include your business name, contact email, job title, and country.
• Choose Visitor Type: Most of you will register as “Visitor,” unless you’re attending as an exhibitor or with the press.
• Submit And Confirm: After registering, you’ll get a confirmation email with a downloadable badge. Save it.

I always print a hard copy and keep a digital version on my phone just in case.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

• Company Information: Use your official business name and contact email.
• Passport Details: Required if you plan to request a visa invitation.
• Job Title And Role: Helps organizers send the right updates or event tracks.
• Group Attendee Info: If you’re registering for your team, prepare their names and emails ahead of time.

Registration may feel small, but it’s your first step toward a smoother, more focused visit.

Handle it now, and you’ll walk into Lesdrevmash ready not rushed.

3. Travel and Accommodation

Planning your trip right makes a huge difference.

I’ve rushed through airports, stayed in hotels too far from the venue, and paid more than I should have for last-minute transport. It adds stress you don’t need especially when your focus should be on making solid business connections at Lesdrevmash.

Let’s make this part easier for you.

Getting to Moscow

• Book Flights Early: Moscow is well connected, but international seats fill up quickly before major shows.
• Choose Airports Wisely: You’ll likely fly into Sheremetyevo (SVO) or Domodedovo (DME) — both are international hubs.
• Plan for Travel Time: Expect 45–90 minutes to reach central Moscow from either airport depending on traffic.
• Use Official Transport Apps: Apps like Yandex Go work well for booking taxis or rideshares in Russia.

One time, I landed at SVO without pre-arranging my transport. I spent 30 minutes just figuring out where to go. Since then, I always book a driver or use the app as soon as I land.

Where to Stay

• Stay Near the Venue: The event is held at Expocentre Fairgrounds, which is in central Moscow. Staying close helps you avoid morning delays.
• Recommended Areas: Look for hotels in Presnensky District, Arbat, or Krasnaya Presnya all offer easy metro access.
• Business-Friendly Hotels: Some hotels offer early breakfasts, workspace access, and shuttle services these small things help during show days.
• Book Ahead: Prices go up as the event approaches. Try booking at least 4–6 weeks early.

Ask yourself: How much travel time are you willing to spend each day? Staying closer can save you hours over a multi-day show.

4. Packing Essentials

Packing for a trade show like Lesdrevmash is different from packing for a regular business trip.

You’re walking long hours, collecting materials, meeting dozens of people and you need to stay sharp throughout. I’ve made the mistake of overpacking what I didn’t need and forgetting what I really did.

Let’s break down what you should actually bring.

Documents You Shouldn’t Forget

• Passport and Visa: Double-check the visa requirements for Russia and keep a printed copy with you.
• Exhibition Badge or Confirmation: If you registered online, bring your e-badge or printed confirmation.
• Business Cards: Still important, especially when meeting local dealers or suppliers. Bring more than you think you need.
• Hotel and Flight Details: Printed copies can save time at check-in and immigration.
• Invitation Letter: If requested during visa processing, you may be asked for this upon arrival.

I once forgot printed flight info when my phone battery died — never again. I now travel with a simple folder for all documents.

Items That Help You Get Through the Day

• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be on your feet for 6–8 hours or more. Prioritize comfort over style.
• Lightweight Backpack or Bag: For brochures, samples, and daily essentials. Avoid carrying loose items.
• Power Bank: Your phone is your map, translator, camera, and notebook. Keep it charged.
• Notebook and Pen: Yes, digital works but a quick handwritten note during a chat often saves time.
• Water Bottle and Snacks: Lines at food stands get long. Having something with you keeps you going.

Ask yourself: Can I carry this all day without needing to go back to the hotel?

What To Pack for Meetings and Business

• Tablet or Laptop: If you’re doing live demos or reviewing specs, bring a lightweight device.
• Product Catalogs or Brochures: Bring only what’s necessary and keep it organized for quick access.
• Small Gifts or Samples: In some B2B settings, a small branded item can leave a strong impression.
• A Few Local Phrases (Printed or Saved): Helps when dealing with booth staff who may not speak English fluently.

Smart packing isn’t about bringing more it’s about bringing what helps you work better.

Think about your daily routine at Lesdrevmash, and build your bag around that. The goal is simple: stay focused, stay ready, and stay light.

5. Navigating the Exhibition Hall

Lesdrevmash is big. Booths are spread across multiple halls, and each section is packed with people, machines, and noise.

Without a plan, it’s easy to miss out on suppliers you came to see or waste hours on booths that don’t match your goals. I’ve made that mistake. After my second visit, I realized: how you move through the space can shape your entire experience.

Make a Floor Plan Strategy

• Download the Hall Map in Advance: You can find it on the official Lesdrevmash website a few weeks before the show. Print it or save it on your phone.
• Group Booths by Category: If you’re focused on CNC machines, automation, or spare parts, mark those areas. This helps you move logically, instead of zigzagging across halls.
• Set Daily Priorities: Pick 3–5 booths you must visit each day. Build your time around them.
• Schedule Breaks: Long days at the show drain your energy. Give yourself short breaks to reset.
• Ask for the Info Counter: There are help desks inside the halls don’t hesitate to ask if you’re lost.

One year, I skipped marking the booths ahead of time. I ended up walking over 18,000 steps on Day 1 and only saw half the exhibitors I wanted. That’s when I realized: walking with a plan saves time and energy.

How To Stay Productive On the Floor

• Have Questions Ready: Most booths are busy. Prepare 2–3 key questions so your conversations are quick and effective.
• Take Photos (If Allowed): Visual notes help you remember booth layouts, machines, or product names later.
• Organize Brochures as You Go: Use a folder or label them by category it helps when you review things later.
• Talk to Technical Staff When Possible: Sales reps are helpful, but engineers or product managers can give more depth.
• Scan QR Codes or Request Digital Catalogs: Saves space and lets you follow up easier after the show.

You’re not just walking through a trade show you’re investing time to meet the right people and find solutions that fit your business.

Plan your path, stay focused, and make your time on the floor count.

6. Networking & Building Business Connections

Trade shows like Lesdrevmash aren’t just about machines they’re about people.

The conversations you have can lead to partnerships, long-term suppliers, or even market insights you wouldn’t get online.

I’ve had small chats at booths turn into deals months later. And I’ve also walked past opportunities because I didn’t start the conversation.

Start Small, Talk Smart

You don’t need a big pitch you just need to be curious and clear.

• Introduce Yourself With Context: Mention your company, your role, and what you’re looking for. It helps people respond with useful info.
• Ask Direct Questions: “Do you offer support in my region?” or “What’s your lead time on this model?” These cut to the point.
• Exchange Business Cards Early: Don’t wait until the end of the conversation hand it over when you introduce yourself.
• Follow Up in Real Time: If something catches your interest, jot a note on the back of the card or in your phone.
• Don’t Skip Smaller Booths: Some of my best finds came from exhibitors with modest setups often they’re more flexible and eager to connect.

Ever walked past someone who looked too busy, only to realize later they were a perfect match for your needs? It’s happened to me. Speak up. You never know.

Go Beyond the Booth

Connections don’t just happen on the show floor.

• Attend Side Events: Look out for small sessions, roundtables, or industry briefings tied to the exhibition. They often bring together focused groups.
• Grab Coffee With Purpose: Invite a contact to a short break at the venue café. These casual moments can open the door to future deals.
• Keep Your LinkedIn Ready: If you don’t have business cards or the other person doesn’t, connect online right away.
• Use the Quiet Moments: Early mornings or end-of-day hours are often less crowded — a good time for deeper talks.
• Circle Back If Needed: Didn’t get enough time at a booth? Go back on another day when it’s quieter and follow up.

Trade shows are busy, but don’t let that stop you from building real connections.

The right conversation, even a quick one, can lead to real business value after the show is over.

7. Smart Tips for Successful Visit

There’s a point during every trade show when things start to blur the booths, the conversations, the names. I’ve been there.

By Day 2, I was tired, carrying too many brochures, and trying to remember who told me about the tool I actually needed. That’s when I realized: small habits make a big difference.

Let’s walk through some practical tips to help you stay on track and get results.

Manage Your Time Like a Business Asset

Your time on-site is limited. Treat it like it matters because it does.

• Arrive Early: The first hour of the day is quieter, giving you better access to key booths.
• Set 3 Daily Goals: Know what you want to accomplish before each day begins.
• Keep Meetings Short and Clear: 15–20 minutes is enough for most booth discussions. Use your questions to guide the talk.
• Use a Physical or Digital Planner: Map out booth visits with time blocks. Google Calendar or even a notepad works.
• Leave Room for Surprises: Not everything goes to plan. Give yourself time to explore unexpected booths.

Keep Track of What Matters

By Day 2 or 3, conversations and machines start to blur together. Tracking details makes follow-up much easier.

• Take Quick Notes After Each Visit: Write down what you saw, who you met, and if there’s a next step.
• Organize Business Cards by Category: Group them into suppliers, potential partners, service providers, etc.
• Snap Photos of Booths or Signage: With permission, take photos to remember layouts or machines of interest.
• Tag Important Contacts: If you’re using LinkedIn or a CRM, tag contacts right away so you don’t lose track later.
• End Each Day With a Quick Review: Look at your notes and identify who you need to follow up with next week.

Success at Lesdrevmash comes down to preparation, focus, and follow-through.

Use these habits to stay sharp, save time, and walk away with value that lasts long after the doors close.

Conclusion

Everything you need to get ready for Lesdrevmash is here your roadmap is built. From booking your trip to making smart booth visits, you’re now ahead of the game.

This is your chance to walk in prepared and walk out with results.

Start preparing today. Don’t wait until the last minute.

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