Coin Show Strategy?

Yes, it helps to have a list. What I do, is look everything over, and then decide what I want more, unless I find a really good deal.

I generally walk in with a precise concept of what I want, in what grade and at what price. Then, I completely abandon any plan and skip around like a schoolkid during Recess, playing Johnny Appleseed with my money and arriving home later with stuff I didn't know existed when I woke up that morning.

I usually go with a particular coin or coins in mind. I take my list and associated notes (which these days lives on a smart phone).

I always go around the floor a couple of times before making a purchase. I like to see who has what I am looking for and make mental notes.

I also like to look at other things that I probably have no interest in buying, but want to learn about. It is a show, after all! I really do enjoy looking at a variety of things, much like a car or boat show.

Super Dave is right on the money. I go in with good intentions, then blooey (is that a word) my eyes loose focus, knees get weak, and I start buying everything but what's on my list. Do they make a pill for this?

I usually make a few lists. One is what I need to fill empty places in an Album. One list is for coins that should be replaced in an album due to needing an upgrade. I usually attempt to place a limited price based on the lists based on several sources and will never pay more than that price. I get prices from the Red Book, grey sheet, ebay, a few web site dealers and average them all out.
At a show I generally look for those coins but so many times I forget those lists and just buy what I want.
For example at a coin show last Sunday even with a list I bought this.

Although I have some of these already, the dealer said I could have it for $5 due to the letters all messed up.
We have so many coin shows around me that if I don't fine something at one, I'll find something at another.
On thing to remember is security. Maybe not by you but around here there have been many instances of robberies of people on the way home. Also, more home invasions are occuring and the robbers know there are coins there somewhere. How did they know? Easy. Remember if your paying for a coin with a credit card or check, some personal information is shown. Someone with a camera phone could be standing right over your shoulder. Some criminals now copy down your auto plates and if you have a city sticker, that too is copied down. With our wonderful freedom of information acts, you can find out so much on the internet about someone it's scarry.
I never carry a check book, credit card, debit card to a coin show.
Watch for someone standing over you while purchasing a coin.
Attempt to see if anyone follows you when leaving a coin show.
If driving there, drive around the parking lot a few times to see if any one is trying to follow you.
In a coin show always carry money in a front pocket. If someone bumps you, check right away for your money.