Display Rental - Plan Your First Exhibit

If you are a first-time exhibitor for an upcoming trade show, there is a general timeline you should follow as you make decision for the show. This timeline can help make everything from display rental to the trade show experience itself stress-free.

It is an exciting time for you if your small business is making the jump to participating in trade shows. Trade shows are a great way to attract new clientele and become better known among a different demographic. There are opportunities to boost sales and name recognition and positive feedback from others in the industry. With your exhibit at a particular trade show, you have the chance to make an impact for years to come.

That is why it is vital to plan ahead. You want to be sure you have the best showing at your first trade show. It is important to put your best foot forward with an eye-catching exhibit that produces excitement for your company, service or product.

When planning for a trade show, it is wise to get started about a year in advance. You will want to have time to plan your budget long before it is time to contact display rental companies. Make sure you book your space at the trade show. The earlier you book the more likely it is to guarantee there is space still available and that the space you receive is in the best location possible.

All the background work on your target audience and demographic should be complete by about six months in advance. This way, you can start on really crafting your message. Make sure you have given yourself clear objectives and know exactly what you hope to accomplish through your exhibit. Even if it is five or six months before the show, start to look into display rental suppliers. Read the exhibition manual and study the guidelines carefully.

Expect to be busy during the final few months before the show. Make any travel plans necessary and book hotel rooms for you and your staff. At this point, you need to go ahead a contact any suppliers for product samples, printed advertising and display rental. With items that are being rented, confirm the delivery dates. In some instances, like with large, complicated marketing displays, make sure they will be sending someone to manage the set-up.

When it is time to set-up the show, you should be at the exhibition hall in advance of the delivery of any rented items, displays, equipment or marketing material. Make sure you have brought all banking equipment and information to make any sales during the show. Spend time with your staff to go over the goals of the exhibition. Everyone should understand the objectives of the exhibit and have a clear idea of the schedule for the day or weekend.

If you follow the proper timeline and do all of your planning in advance, your first trade show should run smoothly and be a stress-free experience. Taking the time to really schedule and understand the process of having an exhibit, makes marketing, display rental, and other production decisions that much easier.