Q: At the last show I attended, I did not have a booth assistant. Obviously I had to eat at some point in the day, but I know show manners suggest it isn′t appropriate to eat while at your booth. How do I get around this when I′m just one person?

A. So eat. I see this as a matter of diplomacy rather than etiquette. It′s all about being thoughtful and mindful of where you are and what you are there for.

I would suggest you purchase food on your way to the show or pack a lunch in a small cooler the night before; the lines at the show food vendors are often long. Choose something that is easily eaten in little bits in between customers. You might also avoid garlic, onions and other strongly fragrant foods.

If necessary, let your buyers know why you are eating in your booth—they′ll understand we′re all human.