Trade shows can be a little overwhelming to those that don't like crowds. Most of time the people managing their booth are busy pushing their products and services on anyone that comes within 3 feet of their table or they stand out in the middle of the aisle. Their goal is to get as many leads as possible and not only break even from buying their booth space but hopefully earn a profit as well.

You can get lost in all the information that is exchanged and fill your closet with trinkets of promotional giveaways. I can't tell you the number of letter openers I have! 
 
If there are speakers or other forms of entertainment there, the vendors are left primarily alone simply waiting for the next wave of people to come through.   Instead of attending these break out sessions yourself, why not visit some of the vendors and start networking with them? 
 
One point I would like to emphasize is not to "sell" anything to them all you want to do is get to know them.  It's important that you respect their time since they paid a lot of money to be there. If a person approaches their table while you are talking with them that is interested in their stuff, make sure to allow the prospect time with the vendor.  Try not to network with their visitor and steal their thunder.
 
It's happened to me many times where I have a table and hope to talk to someone interested in what I am promoting and instead all the visitor does is promote what they have. Sometimes, they never even ask about what I'm offering which leaves a negative first impression. On top of it, they leave behind tons of promotional flyers and brochures without regard or interest. Don't assume they want more information, only provide something if they ask. Some trade shows don't allow any soliciting so be very cautious and honor the rules of the show.
 
Here are a few ways to become very strategic on your networking:

• Review the program directory and highlight the vendors that you would normally network with.
• Wait for the right time when it's not busy so you can talk with them
• Ask if they attend networking events and make suggestions of what groups might be beneficial for them to attend. After all, they are there to market and promote their business which is what networking can help them do. Plus, this will give you another opportunity to network with them and get to know them better.
• Don't spend too much time with them, only ask a couple of questions to determine if they might be a good connection for you or if they know who the decision maker is at their company.
• Make sure to show interest in their products or service.
• You'll need to get their business card or contact info to follow up with them at a more convenient time.
• If you offer a newsletter, ask if it would be OK to add them to your list (don't assume)
• If you want to really impress them, give them a referral of someone that is interested in buying from them!

You can meet a lot of people in a short amount of time at trade shows and EXPOs. It would be time well spent if you planned for success in making key connections with the vendors you can specifically do business with.