So youve made it through the Trade Show Planning & Budgeting phase, you've learned how to Create Winning Display, and now you are ready for The Trade Show Experience! The key to successful exhibiting is planning. From getting your booth there to booth staffing to the return trip home, we've got tips on planning for success.

Preparing to Go.

You have no doubt done extensive planning and prep work before heading to the show including travel planning, staff planning, materials and display set-up planning, and prepping all of the on-site materials from your Trade Show Toolkit Checklist. And because there is so much to keep track of, we advise creating a Show Notebook that you carry with you on the way that includes:

Content lists and tracking numbers for all boxes being shipped

Names and contact info for all booth items that you ordered (lead retrieval system, internet access, flowers, cleaning service, etc.)

Travel itineraries and hotel information for booth staff

Cell phone numbers for booth staff

Names and contact info for on-site services

Upon Arrival.

Have plan for booth staff to meet on show floor to help set up your display. When you arrive at the show, make sure all items have arrived at your booth and/or at your hotel. If anything is missing, check with the event center staff to locate missing items or track packages.

Booth Set-Up.

Obey event center rules for set-up! Most convention centers have union staff and require that exhibits needing tools for assembly be set-up by the union staff. If you have such a display, it's a good idea to be present during the assembly to be sure that set-up is being done to your specifications. Allow yourself plenty of time for set-up. You may find that you are missing an item or two or that a light bulb has burned out. Allowing extra time to take care of those unexpected items will save you from running around the morning of the show!

Booth Set-Up Tip

Whenever possible, when choosing to purchase or rent a display, explore your options for displays that do not require tools for assembly. Display manufacturers have become masters of creating even large-scale displays that do not require tools for assembly!

Have Back-Up Plans.

Prior to traveling to the show, it's a good idea to locate key vendors in the vicinity of the event location just in case you need them. Many common items such as photocopying are available through the event company managing the show, but can be pricey. Key vendors may include quick printers, a source for fresh flowers and candy, and a drug store for light bulbs, batteries, tape, aspirin and other essential booth supplies.