Trade Show Planning Check List
Creating a trade show planning check list is not a quick process. For those of you who are exhibiting veterans or newcomers to planning trade shows the following trade show planning check list is a helpful guideline to help you plan ahead.
12 Months Out:
- Ask yourself why you'd want to exhibit at a trade show
- Pick which show(s) are best for your company
- Determine the size of the raw space you'll need
- Establish a show budget
6 Months Out:
- Review your show goals
- Look into vendors for renting or purchasing a booth
- If you own a booth, check all parts and graphics
- Plan pre-show marketing/advertising
4 Months Out:
- Order your giveaway items
- Create the literature and marketing materials
- Choose booth staffers
- Start planning preshow marketing
- Finalize booth design/floor plan
3 Months Out:
- Review Exhibitor Manual
- Create a show due date calendar, target move in/out times, set up/dismantle days, show discounts, etc.
- Implement show related marketing
- Make travel reservations
2 Months Out
- Prepare all service orders for discount pricing (Include electrical, electric labor, hanging sign, cleaning, lead retrieval, etc)
- Finalize graphics and start production
- Organized booth staff schedule and order badgets
- Prepare briefing package for booth staff
- Order business cards if needed
- Make dinner reservations for taking out clients/staff
1 Month Out
- Confirm installation and dismantling schedule
- Preview of the booth set up
- Prepare items for shipping to the show
- Build out booth kids (office materials, markers, first aid, box cutters)
- Conduct pre-show briefing with show team
- Create binder with paperwork, order confirmations, payment receipts
1 Week Out
- Confirm freight arrival
- Confirm reservations for hotels, meeting rooms or catering
- Create show schedule for staff
- Comprise appointment list
- Decide on staff attire
- Test videos or demos
Show Arrival
- Confirm arrival of display, equipment and literature
- Pre show meetings with staff
- Merchandise booth
- Set up videos, equipment of demos
- Pick up lead retrieval unit
Check out Exhibit Potential for more information on the trade show planning process.
