Pay attention to your local newspaper and television for upcoming trade shows and expos. If admission is not free, it still may be worth going. If it is $10 to get in the door of a good trade show, you can easily offset that fee by all the great freebies you will get.

Bring a something to carry your freebies in. I’ve seen people bring rolling suitcases just so they can fill them up with free loot. Be prepared to carry your treasures back to your car.

After you get into the show, visit all the trade show exhibits, even if they don’t really interest you. Their freebie might be a coupon for another item, or they might be handing out a neat promotional item that you can use – like a coffee mug or a nice pen. Some companies give away food or beverages.

Enter giveaways, drawings, and contests for prizes. Advertisers are collecting names for their mailing list so be aware of that. You may win a prize at the trade show or get coupons or free offers in the mail.

Take the time to complete or participate in surveys or focus groups. Some will give you with a gift card or free item in exchange for your time. Yes, this is bribery. I have scored some nice gift cards for spending five minutes taking a survey.

If you go to baby or childrens expos, take the kids. The vendors will have a kids area with fun things for kids to do. Trade show exhibitors love handing out things to kids.