Must Be My Faulty 'Open Sesame' Technique

[Dr. Wade Boyer]

Oh, speaking of visiting trade shows, it seems everyone has a different experience!

• Many people return with so many "peripherals" they can't carry any more!

  • "Peripherals" here mainly refer to free trinkets, souvenirs, or samples offered by booth operators. These may include things like little badges, pens, or small cosmetic trials.

• But me? This time, I returned empty-handed after visiting the Guangzhou Travel Expo (Guangzhou is a southern Chinese megacity), having purchased everything on my own dime.

  • I wasn't able to acquire even one cloth bag on the cheap, which feels like a bit of a waste of time wandering around.

• ️ Just a reminder for anyone trying to grab some freebies at the show:

  • Wanting "peripherals" for free? You may need to cater to them:
    • You might need to follow their social media accounts (like WeChat Public Accounts, Weibo, etc.).
    • Scan QR codes - often this leads to adding their private WeChats, which could be described as "adding a V", where V rhymes with the first syllable of WeChat.
    • Alternatively, they may ask for your help in promoting their product via Moments (micro blog-like service) or Weibo posts.
  • I dislike these tasks, particularly adding strangers to my WeChat list.
  • The Chinese saying goes, "I won't bow for five bushels of rice". This means that if it's only for a trifling matter, one would rather not compromise themselves to undertake distasteful tasks.
  • Therefore, based on my principles, or perhaps my laziness, I am apparently ill-suited for scouring trade shows for give-away items free of charge. If you are like me, perhaps don't pin too many hopes on getting something for free!

• But to speak frankly, there were still pleasant surprises in the things I bought!

  • I was thrilled with the Chongqing Mao Hua I picked up at the Expo!
    • "Chongqing" is a city known for its delicious food located in Southwest China and "Mao Hua" is a yummy fried pastry snack in the form of twisted dough scrolls, available in both sweet and salty flavors.
  • Likewise, the Yerba Mate from Argentina was great!
    • This herbal tea is quite popular in South America and has a unique taste.
  • These two items sure gave value to the money I spent buying them!

#ExhibitionExperience #GuangzhouTourism #ArgentineSourvenir #YerbaMateCulture #ChongqingSnack #ExhibitionComplaints

[Byron Larkin]

You can collect stamps.

[Mr. Philip Hudson]

Yeah, but that usually comes with a ton of conditions: you have to follow them, check in, post on Xiaohongshu, things like that. For some, you even have to wait in line. It's way too much trouble.