How to Make a Trade Show Checklist

Business expos allow companies to demonstrate new products and services.

Businesses constantly seek new techniques to find prospects and build relationships. Attending trade shows provides a way for many companies to showcase their products and services and hasten customer acquisition. Documenting task items in a trade show checklists helps companies meet these goals.

Things You'll Need

• Reservation at the trade show
• Timeline for production of materials
• Budget
• Trade Show Team

Instructions

Preparing and Implementing a Trade Show Checklist

1. 

   Planning for trade shows requires careful long term planning.

   Plan for the trade show. This task may intimidate even the most seasoned marketing executive; however, sequential planning in the form of a trade show checklist allows a business to stay on track and reap the maximum benefit from the trade show. Trade show checklists itemize tasks to be accomplished up to a year in advance of the event.

2. 

   Review the trade show contract to confirm terms and assess needs.

   Research potential trade shows and decide which ones are the best for the company. This task must be done a year before a trade show commences and is a task for the company's marketing officers. Planning activities may include a review of application forms and information packs from various industry trade shows. Further, the team should evaluate the booth scheme and take an inventory of existing materials, plus those that will be needed. Many trade shows require a contract signature and deposit to reserve booth space.

3. 

   Prior to the trade show, marketing executives must make decisions about the exhibit.

   Review the exhibitor manual to maximize the booth's appeal. At this time provisions may be made for electric power to the trade show booth, furniture, plant rental, carpeting and catering. Begin assembling the in-house team that will attend the trade show so they can learn about the event. By adhering to the checklist, a company can enjoy marketing success both during and after the show.

4. 

   Trade show veterans recommend a tool kit for last minute emergencies.

   Focus on pre-show marketing activities during the last 90 days before the show. These may include news releases, advertising, email blasts, website updates and other materials. Trade show veterans also carry handy items such as tape, fasteners, staplers, tools, pens, extension cords and other useful items.

5. 

   After a trade show, executives can follow up on prospects.

   Follow up on appropriate leads after the trade show to convert prospects into customers.

Tips & Warnings

• Trade shows allow customers and vendors to unite in a common exhibit. When planning expo dates, make sure that the trade show is a gathering of individuals that the company will benefit from intercepting.

• Working with a booth production company can provide valuable insights into trade show planning. Select your resources carefully and collaborate with them to create the best possible atmosphere for your trade show booth.

References

• Freeman Trade show