Exhibitor's Pre-Trade Show Checklist

By Alyson Wentz

Epromos Education

Before you leave for that all important trade show, make sure you've made this list and checked it twice.

1. Make all last minute calls to ascertain that booth, products, promotional literature, etc. have arrived at the show site.

2. Call airport, train station, rental car company and hotel to confirm arrangements.

3. Go over your show objectives so you have them memorized, and will know if you're meeting them.

4. Make sure that all of your sales follow-up packets are put together, or will be put together while you're at the show.

5. Brief booth staff on proper etiquette, dress, and, of course, how to best make an at-show sale, or qualify a prospective customer. Make sure booth staff is aware of the show objectives, and how to best meet them.

6. Pack carefully and thoroughly:

business cards (bring twice as many as you think you'll need)

cell phone and/or pager

mini tape recorder (for keeping track of ideas)

laptop and/or hand-held organizer

itinerary of client meetings, special events, educational sessions, etc. (make sure key people at the office have a copy of this, too)

contact information on where key clients and/or vendors are staying

contact information on where booth staff are staying

plane or train tickets

credit cards/checks

comfortable shoes

first-aid kit

aspirin

show materials (directories, tickets, invitations, etc.)

appropriate show attire (perhaps a logoed golf shirt, or denim shirt)

trade publications, reports and memos to read on the plane

7. Check your e-mail and voice mail for any last-minute problems, concerns, etc. Make sure all of those that might try to contact you have been notified of your plans, or will be redirected to someone who can answer their questions in your absence.

8. Go over ongoing projects or important orders with the people that will be manning the office while you're away.

9. Do a last minute check of suitcase and briefcase to make sure you have all of the necessary items.

10. Straighten desk, so that upon your return you can dive back into projects in the order in which they need to be handled

11. Make a to-do list for things that must be done your first day back.

Alyson Hendrickson Wentz, CAS, is a freelance writer specializing in articles about marketing with promotional products. She spent six years on the editorial staff of The Counselor magazine, the preeminent publication for the promotional products industry, and earned the Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS) designation from the Promotional Products Association International.

A Full-Service Agency

At Smash Hit Displays, we go out of our way to provide you with full service. In addition to our full line of portable trade show exhibits, the highlights of our service includes:
• An in-house graphic design department to serve your needs.
• Tracking software that tracks your orders from beginning to end.
• Partnerships with major trade exhibit manufacturers who have products in stock and can ship quickly.
• Partnerships with nationwide printers to provide you with high-quality printing & graphics.

Display Warranties

At Smash Hit Displays, we test every trade show booth and exhibit we sell to make sure our customers get the best quality products. Our booths and displays are durable and versatile. We offer warranties on all products, ranging from 1-year to lifetime warranties.

Customer Support

If you have any questions, please give us a call! We answer our phones, and can provide quick and easy answers for any questions or concerns you might have.

Contact Smash Hit Displays

Give us a call today at 1.877.215.5355 to talk about trade show displays, exhibits, flooring, and booths. Our knowledgeable customer service staff can help you to plan your next show. You can also send an email to our Sales staff through our "Contact Page," and they will gladly answer your questions about trade show displays and exhibits.

We Serve the U.S. and Ship Worldwide

Smash Hit Displays serves all U.S. cities and every convention center in the United States. We have customers in Seattle, Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan, and throughout the world. We can ship to the location of your event or anywhere you need your products delivered.