Interviewing one person at a time is hard enough. But what if you have to cover a story and interview masses of people all at once, while on your feet? Whether they're sci-fi, giftware or academic, covering conventions can be daunting tasks. I talked to a few people who have done so on what they learned on how to make the experience as fast and easy as possible.

Chicago writer Meghan Haynes has covered many a building and construction convention when she worked for a related trade publication:

"Honestly, when working a big conference or trade show, I feel comfort is key: you're gonna be on your feet for a long time and they tend to be long days. The first thing I always think about is wardbrobe and footwear--if you're not comfortable, you get tired/cranky faster and the day gets much longer. Also make sure to carry a big bag with a wide, comfortable strap so you can load up on all the materials people like to pass on to you without having to carry them by hand.

"Try to set up as many interviewees as you can before the event--research the venue, come up with a conveniently located area, like a coffee or refreshment area that gives you respite from the show floor yet keeps you close enough in the event you have interviews closely scheduled or your source has to leave in a hurry.

"Beyond working the show floor, make time to go to seminars and info sessions, because that is where you get your real story ideas, from listening to the participants concerns & such--what you learn on the trade floor is typically the crap the vendors want to push on to you, not the real stuff.

"Keep to your schedule, and always remember to build in travel/walking time from booth to booth (and try to organize your interviews by location to make it all easier)"

Claire Weingarden, Associate Editor at Talcott Publishing, has had to cover specialty giftware, home fashion and gourmet food retailer conventions and has some additional thoughts:

"In the giftware industry, the big trade show seasons are winter and summer. I attend anywhere from 8-12 trade shows across the country each year. When I go to the show, it's usually for three days at a time. The trade shows I attend are huge, square-foot-wise but set up pretty logically - all the home decor accessories are in one aisle, all the jewelry and accessories in another, etc... Each morning when I first arrive at the show I'll make a beeline to the press room for some icky free coffee and pastries and a few moments to go over the show directory to make my lists as to who I'm going to see each day."

She agrees that comfort is key. "I try to do as little backtracking down the aisles as possible. It can get to be a lot on your feet. My editor told me that he once he wore a pedometer to a show and claims he walked 12 miles that day. That said, I'll wear a nice suit when I attend shows, but I throw the idea of my feet looking fashionable out the door. My female coworkers and I always pack our "show shoes" (read: boring flats, usually black) and our "dinner shoes" (something cute with a heel)."

If you can't carry around loads of materials in a big bag, there are alternatives: "While walking the show, I'll pick up piles of business cards, sell sheets, press releases and catalogs. I try to scribble notes down on the back of them to help me remember specifics when I get back to the office. Many press rooms will let you keep your pile of papers there until the end of the show, just ask. Also, most large trade show venues have FedEx or UPS stores so that you can mail all of your stuff back to the office so you don't have to worry about bringing it home on the plane."

"Finally, I try to remember that I can't do everything while I'm there. I need to get a full night's sleep. I need to take water and frozen yogurt breaks. I need to allow myself the chance to wander the show without an agenda to see what catches my eye. When I get back, if I feel I missed something, I'll always have the show directory with manufacturers' contact info to make follow up phone calls or adjustments."