Planning a trade show is a massive undertaking. Pull it off, and trade shows can generate a fantastic return on your investment. It's a chance to put your brand front and center.
Shows are excellent for product launches, customer awareness, and brand recognition. Both exhibitors and attendees alike count on you to make sure everything runs smoothly.
As an organizer, you have a lot on your plate. From picking a venue to hosting the event, trade shows have a lot of moving parts. What's the best way to plan a trade show? When do I need to book everything? Divide and conquer with the help of our trade show planning guide!
Start planning a year out. Develop the "big picture" of your trade show first. At the initial planning stage, organizers should prioritize:
The right trade show venue can make or break the event. A reliable, well-kept and convenient venue is one of the key elements of planning a trade show. Tour the venue first. Organizers need to find a facility with a flexible layout, ample parking and sufficient exhibition space.
The venue is secure, funding is in place and the show is on the calendar. Time to start breathing life into your trade show with these steps:
Commit to the details. Get on everyone's schedule early to gain maximum turnout.
The trade show is taking shape and coming fast. With two months remaining, it's a sprint to the finish line with these steps:
Go through your list of tasks and make sure you check every box.
When you reach the finish line, you're just getting started. Trade shows are fast-paced events full of the unexpected. Take a deep breath, delegate tasks where you can and put on a fantastic event!
Need help putting a trade show together? We have over 700,000 square feet of flexible indoor space located near major highways and hotels, with a restaurant and lodging on-site. Contact us today!