A first timer's guide to SIAL Paris

Your first SIAL Paris is overwhelming. The halls are enormous, everyone is handing you a sample, and your feet hurt by lunch. A little planning turns it from a blur into a genuinely useful few days.

Before you go

Register early, and sort out where you're staying near the show. Commuting in and out of Paris eats time you could spend meeting people. Make a short list of the categories you actually care about, because you cannot see everything. Trying to is how you burn out by day two.

Bring good shoes, a backpack, and water. Tasting rooms get warm, and the floor is harder than it looks.

On the floor

Use the show map. Most people wander, then wonder where the day went. Pick two or three halls, do those properly, then let yourself roam a little at the end.

Talk to people. The person behind a stand is usually the owner or a brand manager who actually knows the product. Ask about minimum orders, lead times, and shipping. That is the stuff that matters three months later.

After the day ends

Write notes the same night. Not essays, just a line per stand: what you liked, what it cost, whether it fits. A month later those notes are gold, and you will not remember a thing on your own.

Treat the first trip as a learning run. You'll come home with fewer deals than you hoped, and a much better idea of how to do it next year. See what we actually do with all this in our snack selection.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need?

Two full days is the minimum if you're serious. Three is better.

Should I bring business cards?

Yes. Digital contact swapping works, but cards still move faster.

Can I buy products at the show?

Not really. It's about orders and relationships, not retail.