A tradeshow can go a long way in helping to promote your business. It takes weeks, or even months to plan and execute a successful tradeshow. As the clock ticks down, follow these steps the eve of the big event.
1. Get Plenty of Rest
It is very important to get plenty of rest the night before the start of your tradeshow so you have energy to get through the big first day. You’ll probably go non-stop from early morning set-up to end-of-day closing, so getting enough rest the night before is essential. Start your final preparations early in the evening so you can get to bed at a time that allows you at least seven to eight hours of sleep.
2. Charge Your Phone
Most people have a smartphone or cell phone and use it a great deal at a trade show. Make sure your phone is fully charged the night before you leave, and double-check that your cell charger is packed (take a spare charger, if you have one).
3. Check Your Computer
If you have presentations on your computer for the tradeshow, such as PowerPoint presentations, make sure the files are easy to locate and ready to display. Charge your computer fully the night before the show, and be sure to take along your power cord. Be sure you have any printed backup materials readily at hand in your briefcase, rather than packed at the bottom of your suitcase.
4. Check Your Emergency Supplies Box
No matter how well you plan your tradeshow, there are usually little things that can, and do, go wrong. Prepare yourself by putting together an emergency box the night before. In this box you could include things like pens, tape, business cards, phone numbers, stapler, phone charger, and anything else you can think of that you might need.
5. Gas It and Pack It
The night before you leave for the tradeshow, gas up your car to avoid doing this in the morning. Then pack your vehicle; this will also give you time to make sure you have everything you need. Organize everything so you can easily unpack and get set up quickly at the show. Make a checklist of everything to be packed so nothing is missed. Keep the checklist so that nothing will be missed when you repack for the trip home.
6. Do a Double-Check
Double-check your to-do list so nothing is missed. Make phone calls to coworkers who are also traveling to the show to coordinate last-minute plans, if necessary. Check the weather for your destination so you’re aware of potential delays and can plan for them. Finally, relax and get a good night’s sleep. You have a big day (or several) ahead.
Kennametal is an international manufacturing company that has participated in thousands of tradeshows across the globe. We understand the demanding environment of tradeshows, and we have spent years training our booth staff and perfecting our technique. Check out our tradeshow schedule and plan to stop by and see us at one of our upcoming events to see how we put it all together.
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