Trade Show Check List

Posted by in Planning, Tips, Trends

Trade Show Check List

Save money and plan ahead by having a check list for your next trade show. It can also ensure you are fully prepared and don’t forget any steps along the way. Eric Sink provides a great check list in his article, “A Trade Show Checklist, Born of Experience.” He believes that the best check lists are created after years of experience experience. Over time you learn what works and what doesn’t.

Eric’s highlights before, during, and after the show

3 to 6 months before your trade show

  • Have a goal
  • Schedule a vendor presentation
  • Decide on your main message
  • Pick your booth
  • Design your banner and handouts
  • Find the techie in the back of the print shop
  • Plan on at least 3 people
  • Finish all of the travel arrangements
  • Decide how your booth will stand out
  • Buy shirts and other swag

One month before your trade show

  • Send out postcard mailers
  • Send emails to remind people of your event
  • Set up meetings
  • Promote the show
  • Box of all items you need
  • Bring comfortable shoes

At your trade show

  • A/B test your pick up line – role playing
  • Ask questions instead of pitching
  • Don’t ask how they’re doing
  • Stand. Don’t sit.
  • Get into the aisle
  • Moving pictures rock
  • Always be able to demo
  • Make notes on business cards
  • Sales people aren’t enough
  • Build your own happy hour party
  • Don’t depend on the internet
  • Use LinkedIn every night
  • Walk the floor and talk to everyone
  • Note the jokes
  • Free food
  • Raffle something
  • Take names instead of pushing brochures

After your trade show

  • Follow up
  • Apply what you learned

Read the full article for a complete list of tips.

Need more check list tips? Check out this great video by Anthony Idle.