Tradeshow Tricks – Getting the Most Out of Your Show

Q. What is the most important consideration for a planner tasked with putting together a tradeshow?

A. The single most important thing is thinking about size. That means looking at last year’s tradeshow and determining what, if anything, should change. It also means asking some questions. For example, how many vendors will there be? Are we seeing growth from last year’s event? What did we like about the previous floor layouts? What did we dislike? It’s always best to examine those things and make decisions (and or changes) in the beginning. When things become too routine, it might be time to shake things up.

Q. What details do planners often overlook?

A. They’ll often forget to think about logistics of food service - if their tradeshow is going on inside a ballroom, do they want food service in the room or outside the room? While attendees may enjoy the opportunity to snack while touring the show, the planner must remember that they’re losing exhibit space when food service is inside the room. They also need to be mindful of having enough space for attendees to walk around not only the tradeshow booths but lounge furniture rentals that will be placed for networking.

Q. What information should a planner have prior to meeting with a prospective venue?

A. Will there be pipe and drape booths? If yes, what size? This can impact how many booths fit into the room. They also need to be mindful of extras that exhibitors may want such as electrical. Some may want furniture. In this case, will the planner be providing, will the exhibitor be providing, or is the expectation that the venue will provide?

Q. What’s the biggest mistake planners make and how can they avoid it?

A. Failing to give their exhibitors all the information they can up front. For example, asking the vendor if they’re going to need electricity, then informing them about any related charges. Being as detailed as possible at the start saves time, avoids frustration, and makes the trade show run smoothly.

Q. Any other tips or advice?

A. It’s important to remember not to be afraid to talk about new ideas from one year to the next. Even if it’s something as simple as running the rows differently, be mindful of what your event space can offer.

Planning a trade show? For a complete list of venue and service provider vendor options, visit our complete Trade & Consumer Show Event Vender Directory today!

Casey Romano, Publisher | meetingpages | casey@meetingpages.com

Creator of digital platform meetingpages complete event planning directory and resource delivering leads and national, regional and local exposure for event venues, suppliers and destinations in MN, WI, IA & CO markets. In her free time, this 19 year industry veteran enjoys dance, group fitness, and training her young golden retriever dog in competition obedience and confirmation.