Trade Show To-Do-List
Author: Amanda
I didn’t receive any questions on the last blog, but I thought I would continue on and answer the question of what one needs to prepare/set-up and bring to a trade show. First, you need to double-check whether or not the area of the trade show will be providing tables or not, it varies per show and location. 6′ long is the most common size for provided trade show tables, but it is possible to buy an 8′ long table if you need the extra space. Just keep in mind which size you would prefer incase you’d like to have a fitted table skirt with your business logo or special design.
On the table you’ll need your business cards, and a card holder. You should also consider if you’d like business pens or other promotional give-away items for the show and something to place them in. I can’t suggest enough to have a bowl of candy, it’s a great way to bring people by the table and have their attention for a little bit. Behind the table you have room to put up a sign, or banner. Horizontal banners are nice but can be hard to hang up if you’re against a curtained wall instead of a real wall. There is a great variety of vertical banner stands for trade shows, you can help narrow down which would be best for you by considering how many times you may want to change out your banner, if you need to have a stand easy to ship, or if you’d like a stand to be placed on the table.
I highly suggest that if you’re getting a banner stand that you’ll want to buy a light as well that can help keep your booth well lit. With curtained walls up between stalls it’s easy to have the light blocked out and you’ll want to make sure people can see you and your business. Give yourself a bare minimum of two weeks to have all the preparations and items put together for a show. Yes, it is, on rare occasions when the Earth, Sun and Moon all align, to get things in a shorter time span than two weeks. (More so when all you need is one sign instead of a set.) However, I highly doubt you’re in need for the extra stress, so if possible, set plans into motion a decent amount of time before then.
