Trade Show Help & Advice

Trade Show Planning

Your Checklist

I suggest that you start by printing the free checklist at the end of this chapter. This will give you working checklist that you can refer to from time to time.

Exhibitors Information Pack

The first thing you will receive from the organizer will be an information pack of some description. This is before you even book your stand. I suggest that you file this safely with your checklist.

The information pack will include some useful documents such as a floor plan. You will need this when you are designing the layout of your stand.

Exhibitors Manual

At some point prior to the show you will get an Exhibitors Manual.

Some organizers even publish these on their web site..... check with them. Read through your Exhibitors Manual as soon as it arrives. If that seems like stating the obvious, I can tell you that not one in twenty exhibitors do this.

Make a note on the checklist of what needs to be done by what date.

Complete and send off any order forms that you can straight away. These will vary according to whether you are having a Shell Scheme Booth or taking the option of Space Only. See the article about Stand Design for help on deciding which option to go for.

NB - Failure to get your forms completed and returned in time often incur penalties. Also note where the forms are to be returned to... its often not the organizer.

Forms to be completed...

Name board. Usually only on the Shell Scheme Booth option. This form tells the sign writer the exact wording you want on your name boards. Check to make sure it can fit on.

Light & Power. Sometimes these are included as part of your paid for package.  Don’t try to save money by using the hall lighting.Your stand will look dull and switched off. You will end up buying it at the show and paying a premium.

Check to make sure you have enough of everything. I would always recommend that you have plenty of light on your stand, preferably spotlights that can be adjusted to highlight particular features of your display.

You can usually specify exactly where these spotlights are positioned... try not to dazzle your visitors with lights shining into their faces.

You will need enough power for audio-visual equipment, PDQ or till, catering equipment, cabinet lighting, computers, mobile phone chargers etc. If you overload your allocated power, you will trip the circuit breaker on the whole block of stands. Again, you will be charged extra to increase your order at the show.

continued...

<< Previous    [1]  2  3  4    Next >>