Lessons from the BOLD + Tonic team at RetailNOW 2025
Industry trade shows aren’t just about grabbing the latest swag or collecting badge scans. When approached strategically, they’re a powerful way to reconnect with partners, gather real feedback, and make lasting impressions. At RetailNOW 2025, our BOLD and Tonic crew came ready, with survival kits in tow and plenty of tech stories to share.
Here’s what we learned (and lived) on the show floor and how you can make the most of your next event.
1. Pack Smart: Your Survival Kit Matters
A successful tradeshow starts with being comfortable, hydrated, and energized. That may sound basic, but the show floor can be a marathon.
Colette Markham, our Director of Partner and Relationship Management, keeps it real:
“I always bring Tylenol, melatonin, throat lozenges, and a few snackity-snacks to keep me hydrated and fueled. Oh—and comfortable walking shoes. I average 100 miles per day walking from the room to the showroom floor.”
Whether it’s caffeine, comfortable shoes, or good old-fashioned water, know what keeps you moving and pack accordingly.
2. Find the Joy in the Unexpected
There’s always something new at a tradeshow, tech launches, bold marketing stunts, or even just a clever giveaway. For Karl Gross, Chief Client Officer, it’s all about the unexpected:
“I love walking through the aisles to find the most random promotional items being given away. I find the creativity to be a source of endless amusement.”
Trade shows are your chance to take in the full pulse of your industry. Leave time in your schedule to explore and be surprised. Take this opportunity to scope out other businesses and bank ideas for next year.
3. Lead With Product and Feedback
Trade shows are a prime time to showcase what’s new, but also to listen. That’s why our team came prepared not just to demo, but to learn.
As Partner Executive Adam Mora put it:
“Last year, a lot of partners and dealers stopped by the booth to see what we’d been working on—and the feedback was phenomenal. This year, we came back to show how we turned that feedback into real, impactful improvements.”
Make your booth a space for conversation, not just pitches. Keeping existing customers is just as important as gaining new ones.
4. Show Off Your Expertise
Your people are your biggest asset. If you’re investing in a tradeshow, make sure attendees know why your team is worth meeting.
From seasoned installers like Jonathan Hooper to longtime product experts like Jason Constantine, we staffed Booth 201 with people who knew our platform inside and out.
“I’ve installed, gone live, and supported TonicPOS more than almost anyone,” Jonathan said. And Jason added, “I’ve been representing the product since 2013. Proof in the pudding.”
Don’t underestimate how powerful experience and face time can be when someone’s weighing a new solution. And don’t forget how detrimental uninformed employees can be. Make sure everyone on the floor knows how to speak about your product.
5. Fuel Your Team With Energy (and Coffee)
Last but not least, trade shows are fun. They’re long days, high energy, and a chance to represent your brand with pride.
Stephanie Buckley, our Risk and Compliance Manager, summed it up with her essentials list:
“Iced latte with oat milk, dark chocolate KIND bars, and the energy of the BOLD/Tonic team keep my blood pumping!”
Make sure your team is supported, caffeinated, and encouraged to be themselves on the floor. People buy from people. It makes a difference.
Final Takeaway:
At the end of the day, trade shows are about connection, whether that’s with customers, prospects, or your own team. Show up prepared, stay curious, and focus on creating genuine value for everyone who stops by.
Thanks to everyone who visited Booth 201 at RetailNOW 2025. If you didn’t make it this year, we’d still love to connect. Our solutions don’t end when the show floor closes.
Let’s keep the conversation going. Contact us to learn more.
