Exhibitor 101: Create a checklist

"You can't be too prepared".

It's a common statement which can never be more true than when planning out a trade show.

Everything can start with a basic logistics checklist:

- INVESTIGATE SHOWS
- BOOK SHOWS
- THEMES AND PROMOTIONS
- TRAVEL PLANS
- STAFF
- BOOTH MODIFICATIONS
- COLLATERAL
- GIVEAWAYS
- INCIDENTALS
- PRE-SHOW PROMOTIONS
- QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
- POST-SHOW PROMOTIONS
- FOLLOW UP PROCESS

Of course, the next step would be to expand each item on the checklist and create a sub-list of detailed steps.

Make sure you have enough time - planning should begin about 12-16 months prior to each show.