Prioritise understandable information
Begin with your name, role, company and a reliable contact method. An internal job title may mean little outside your organisation. Choose a short description of your actual responsibility. Someone supporting technical applications should not appear to be a general sales contact merely because their title sounds promotional.
Check the international format of phone numbers and the exact email address. Ask a second person to type the details from the printed card. A small error here matters more than a less striking design. Give numbers and special characters enough contrast to remain easy to read.
Arrange languages deliberately
For two languages, the front and back can serve different purposes. However, consider which details belong on both sides so that a photograph of either side remains useful. Your name and main contact method should not exist only on the side currently hidden from view.
Translate roles naturally and keep product and company names consistent. Two long paragraphs in tiny type are not a good solution. For a varied audience, a concise shared English version may be more practical than several barely readable language blocks. Make the decision around the conversations you expect rather than the number of languages you can fit.
Connect the card to the conversation
Hand over the card when the reason for staying in contact is clear. State the agreed next step and, if useful, point out the appropriate address. A card without context is easily confused with many similar contacts once the visitor returns from the trip.
Keep your own cards separate from those you receive. Put conversation notes in your intended system instead of writing extensive or sensitive details on other people's cards. Carry a small accessible supply and protect the reserve. Before leaving for the exhibition, check that your role and contact details are still current.
