What do you need to set up a booth at a trade show?

A trade show is aone-of-a-kind opportunity for businesses to strut their stuff and have fun. Employees get to cut through the emails, social media interactions, and the traditional venues to make lasting impressions on customers and peer businesses.

Given the performance-like nature of the event, its almost as if a trade show is a form of theaterand no good theater performance could succeed without a proper set, supplies, and preparation. At your next trade show, dont catch yourself on the receiving end of proverbial tomatoes; bring these items to help ensure a resounding applause.

1. Signage

Follow the signs is a great adage for personal philosophy and trade shows alikebut its difficult to follow signs that just arent there.

When planning for your trade show appearance, make sure you have multiple signsposters, banners, etc.that are visible to people from many angles. Draw attention to your booth in a noticeable and classy way.

2. Presentation Media

Signs draw attention; proper presentation media helps to keep it there. When setting up your display, be certain to have some kind of engaging presentation media. Slideshow presentations, short video clips, and demonstrations packed with visual aides can go a long way to engaging potential customers.

3. Promotional Items

Everybody likes free stuffits a universal truth. Before your convention, reach out to a business that makes customized giftst-shirts, calendars, mugs, wristbands, tote bagsand emblazon some with your companys logo, motto, and color scheme. If your promotional product is good, itll draw attendees from all across the trade show and introduce them to what you really have to offer: your service or product.

4. Business Cards

At the end of a busy day, most trade show attendees will be saddled with fatigue, tote bags, and, ideally, business cards. These pocket-sized placards will help cut through the clutterboth of the physical and mental sortand help clients remember and engage with you long-term.

Make sure to keep your business cards to a standard, pocket-accommodating size. Some businesses try bookmarks or bulky postcards; dont follow their example, as those oddly-shaped items only make a great impression in a trash can.

5. Organizers

Sometimes its not always about what you display, but how you display it. Business cards and promotional items are important; dont waste their potential with poor organization.

Get stands for business cards, jars and boxes for promotional items, and maintain clear placement parameters for items on your table. Otherwise, the trade shows chaos will overwhelm your setup and turn your booth into an unapproachable pig sty.

6. The Supplies Box

There are few problems that cant be solved with duct tape (and other school supplies). Always make sure to bring some kind of Macgyver kitincluding pens, tape, rubber bands, stapler, paper clips, scissors, Swiss Army knife, zip ties, thread, etcto help keep posters in place, table tarps attached, and displays from falling to pieces. Even if you dont think you need it, bring it. It will help preserve your prepared image in case of emergencies and maybe even save the day for another exhibitor.

7. Power Strip and Extension Cords

If your trade show display hinges heavily on technology, bring all the proper wiring equipment. Otherwise, your battery will drop like a stone and outlets will be just one foot too far away. In the worst case scenario, you wont need your extension cords or power strip and can loan them to another business and make an ally in the process.

8. Refreshments

A trade show is like a marathon. Amidst the churning crowds, you must pace yourself, maintain eyes on the prize, and, most importantly, keep hydrated. Bring the necessary snacks and water to survive the day, in case you cant make a pit stop at a refreshment table and especially if there is an open bar. If possible, bring extra water bottles to hand out to potential customers. Whats good for their health is good for your businesss.

Creating a memorable trade show presence takes planning and preparation. Use this checklist for a low hassle, no worries set up so you can focus on making those connections.