How to Prepare a Trade Show Exhibit

A well prepared trade show exhibit can attract profitable clients for your business. If you spend some time putting this together you’ll be much more successful. There are several steps you should take in order to make your exhibit a success.

Preparing a trade show exhibit requires time and care. If you plan well and present a great exhibit you can attract new clients. There is a lot of potential for networking and marketing as well.

• Talk to the event coordinators. Most trade show events will have a contact person that will help you select a space, pay for the space and go over any requirements and exclusions for the event.


• Find out if you’ll need to pay extra for electricity. Some trade shows will include this in the space rental and others will charge extra. You will need to bring a few items, like extension cords, if you want to use the electricity.


• Rent the tables, chairs and drapes for the trade show if you don’t already own them. You can rent them cheaply at most party supply rental retailers. You’ll want to arrange a time for these items to be delivered. At most trade show exhibits the exhibitors are allowed access to the space a few hours prior to the event starting to allow time for set up. Let the rental company know what time you need everything there ready for you.


• Create any brochures, banners and other marketing materials that you plan on using. If you’re having a professional printing company handle this you need to order well in advance so you have all the material for the day of the event.


• Consider adding some promotional events to your exhibit. A free raffle giving away products or services will bring more people to your exhibit. The more people that show up, the better your chances of being successful. You can also have promotional items such as pens, t-shirts and mugs made for relatively cheap. People love getting these items for free, and will remember the name of your business in the future.