10 Smart Tips to Prepare for Gifting 2025

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Walking into a gifting exhibition or trade show can feel overwhelming at first. Imagine hundreds of booths lined up, each packed with colours, creativity, and possibilities—offering thousands of products across every category you can think of. There’s movement and energy everywhere: live demo sessions taking place, brand representatives enthusiastically explaining their offerings, and visually striking displays designed to grab your attention. 

Amidst these chaos, how can you as a visitor make the most of the exhibition? Fear Not! With this blog, Giftex is bringing you tips to prepare for an exhibition. Whether you are looking for corporate gifting ideas, or you are a retail merchant, event planner, or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful gifting, attending a gifting expo isn’t just about showing up—it’s about showing up prepared. With the help of our tips for exhibition success, a single visit can spark partnerships, uncover trends, and solve your entire year’s gifting strategy.

In this guide to exhibition success, we’ll walk you through expert tips, that you as an exhibition visitor can follow to achieve desired results.

A Quick Look at Giftex 2025

Before we get into the tips and strategies for navigating a gifting exhibition, let’s take a moment to spotlight Giftex 2025—India’s most anticipated gifting event of the year.

About Giftex

Giftex is India’s largest and most premium exhibition for both corporate and personal gifting solutions. With a legacy spanning 38 years, Giftex has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s gifting industry. 

Every year, the event attracts thousands of professionals—including corporate buyers, retailers, event planners, marketing agencies, and brand curators—looking for the latest and best in gifting.

Upcoming Event Details

The next edition of Giftex is scheduled to take place on:

Date: 31st July to 2nd August 2025

Place: Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai, India.

Timings: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Why Choose Giftex?

1. A Legacy of Excellence

With nearly four decades of experience, Giftex stands as a pillar of excellence in India’s gifting industry, consistently delivering value to both exhibitors and buyers.

2. The Widest Range of Gifting Solutions

From personalized wedding gifts and festive hampers to sustainable merchandise and high-end corporate giveaways, Giftex offers unmatched variety across every gifting category.

3. Meaningful Relationships

It’s a highly curated business environment where meaningful connections, negotiations, and long-term vendor relationships take shape.

Also Read: 10 Success Tips For Exhibitors

10 Smart Tips To Visit Gift Exhibition

With hundreds of booths and thousands of products on display, having a strategy ensures you don’t just browse—you connect, evaluate, and get real value from your visit.

• Research Upcoming Gifting Exhibitions 

Before attending any event, it’s important to do your homework. Start by researching upcoming gifting exhibitions in India, and choose one that aligns with your needs. Are you sourcing gifts for a corporate brand? Are you looking for personalized wedding gifts or luxury festive hampers? If you’re seeking both scale and variety, Giftex 2025 is an ideal choice. 

2. Study the Exhibitor List 

Once you’ve decided to attend a specific event—ideally Giftex—go through the official exhibitor list available on the event website. Understand what each brand offers, their categories, and what might be most relevant to your business. 

3. Register Online Before the Event

Don’t wait to register at the venue. Most major exhibitions, including Giftex, offer online registration, which is faster and gives you early access to planning tools like interactive maps, category-wise exhibitor listings, and even session schedules. This not only saves time but also gives you a head start on preparing your visit efficiently.

4. Identify Clear Goals 

Before stepping into the exhibition, ask yourself: What am I here to accomplish? Are you seeking new vendor partnerships, exploring innovative packaging solutions, scouting festive gift hampers, or looking to refresh your gifting catalogue for the next financial year? Knowing your objective will help you ask the right questions, engage with the right suppliers, and walk away with actionable outcomes.

5. Set Appointments 

If there are specific vendors you’re serious about meeting, don’t leave it to chance. Reach out in advance and schedule a meeting time during the event. This adds structure to your day and ensures you get focused, one-on-one time with the people who matter most to your goals. Plus, exhibitors appreciate prepared buyers—it’s a win-win.

6. Arrive Early and Plan for the Day

On the day of the exhibition, aim to arrive early. It gives you a quieter window to explore booths, talk to exhibitors without the crowd, and get a lay of the land before the peak hours hit. Don’t forget to factor in traffic, rain, or security queues—a little buffer time can go a long way in starting your day stress-free.

7. Attend Live Demos and Guest Speaker Sessions

Many exhibitions, feature live product demonstrations, interactive sessions, and talks by guest speakers or industry experts. These experiences are packed with insight and inspiration—giving you a first-hand look at product functionality, brand values, and new gifting innovations. If a brand is offering a tasting session, packaging reveal, or tech demo—participate. These moments often help you remember a product far better than a brochure ever could.

8. Explore the Entire Exhibition 

It’s easy to be impressed by the first few booths you see—but resist the urge to make quick decisions. Take your time to walk the entire exhibition circuit before committing. Giftex typically runs over two or more days, so you’ll have enough time to revisit the best booths. Prioritize first, then compare across vendors in the same category. It’s the best way to ensure you get the best mix of quality, price, and innovation.

9. Network With Other Visitors

Some of the most helpful feedback can come not from exhibitors, but from fellow attendees. Strike up conversations with other buyers, planners, or even retailers. Ask what’s caught their eye, what they’ve sourced in past editions, or which booths they recommend this year. Peer reviews offer valuable on-the-ground insight and can help you spot hidden gems you may have otherwise overlooked.

10. Follow Up With Exhibitors Post-Event

As you move through the exhibition, you’ll collect business cards, brochures, and sample kits. Don’t let them sit in your bag. Within 48–72 hours of the event, organize your notes and send follow-up emails to the vendors you’re seriously considering. Whether you’re asking for a quote, requesting a catalogue, or scheduling a follow-up meeting, your timely outreach sets the tone for a productive relationship. Even if you decide not to move forward with a particular vendor, a polite “thank you” message goes a long way in building goodwill for future opportunities.

Bonus Tip: Document Your Day

Use your smartphone (where permitted) to take quick snapshots of booth displays, interesting packaging, or product features that stood out. Having a visual log will make it easier to recall what you liked—and will come in handy when presenting options to your team later.

Make It a Strategic Visit, Not Just a Stroll

A gifting exhibition is more than just a place to browse products—it’s a space to make decisions, cultivate connections, form rewarding relationships, and set the tone for the future of your business. By planning ahead, staying organized, registering early, visiting all exhibitors and engaging meaningfully with both vendors and fellow visitors, you’ll turn your exhibition visit into a valuable investment of time and opportunity. With these smart tips, making the most of gifting expos, has never been easier.

Whether it’s Giftex 2025 or any other major gifting expo in India, these tips will help you walk in with purpose—and walk out with results.