Tips for International Exhibiting

Posted by Bill Barrett in Planning, Tips, Trends

Are you ready to take your trade show exhibit overseas? Mike Thimmesch provides great tips to include on your planning check list in his article, “11 Quick Tips for International Exhibiting.”

1. Plan ahead. Taking your trade show exhibit overseas requires more time, more money, more planning. Don’t wait to the last minute to start planning especially if this is your first international trade show.
2. Do your research. Learn as much as you can about the country, the city, the people, and the trade show regulations before your event.
3. Cultural Differences. Trade shows are different around the world. Make sure you understand what is considered polite and rude behavior before you go. Double check common phrases that are used for communicating.
4. Flexibility. Bad things can happen despite your extensive planning efforts. It can be more difficult to control every aspect of your event when you are out of the country. Be flexible. Exhibit overseas with an open mind and a good backup plan.
5. Luxuries. Not all exhibit halls will have the same luxuries you have in the United States. For example, air conditioning is not common in the Middle East and Brazil doesn’t use plug-in extension cords. Do your best to adapt to your surroundings for a successful international trade show experience.
6. Carry cash. Avoid the hassle of declined credit cards and have cash on hand. Credit cards aren’t as widely used overseas as they are in the United States. Make sure you have enough cash to cover unexpected emergencies.
7. Customs. You should consider renting your booth from a trusted overseas resource overseas. Getting your trade show booth to pass customs can be a more difficult task.
8. Cell phone service. Ask your service provider if you can add an international service plan to your current cell phone coverage. Cover your bases to eliminate an expensive cell phone bill. Inquire about the cost of calls, texting, data, etc.
9. Shipping your exhibit. Devise a shipping plan as f in advance as possible. Research all options. Ship your items by boat if your products and trade show booth are too heavy -it’s cheaper than air freight.

Read the full article for a complete list of tips for international exhibiting.