I had the opportunity to recently attend the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show. It was a truly remarkable experience.

I have worked in restaurants since I was 14 and have a strong understanding of how the operations in the kitchen and service area work, but to see all the operational details an owner/manager must account for is extensive to say the least. Everything from computer systems to flatware to hygiene to marketing.

Here are 5 things that I learned -- maybe they will help you at your next (or first) show...

1) Have a few booths that you really want to see and don't plan too much. You will get sidetracked. The crowds around certain booths are sure to draw you in. Everyone wants to check out the place with the longest line out front!

2) Everyone there has something to show you, and most of it is interesting. I had great discussions while checking out the new and innovative products being developed. They had radical new bar setups and POS technology, illuminated menus and different promotional tools.

3) Make sure to ask people what makes them different from the competition. There are some very similar products on the floor. I ran into at least 6 different POS systems and they all have something to offer. Get past the general information and find what features will work best for you.

4) Get the literature! Most booths have great pamphlets and brochures that give you an overview of what you are hearing. Plus when you have heard 30+ pitches in a day it's nice to have something reminding you of what you heard.

5) Check out who is speaking. The seminars are conducted by professionals for professionals and it's always smart to learn how you can improve your business. The information I learned in each seminar was awesome and simple to implement.

Special bonus point -- enjoy the free samples! They are tasty treats and can keep you going strong the whole day.

These shows are a great experience to learn about and test new products. I was exposed to products that were brand new as well as existing ones I didn't even know about. I must say my favorite part of the whole show was learning about products you can really use from people who enjoy what they do.