How to Pack for a Trade Show

If you’ve been following along on these trade show posts you may have found one that you would like to attend.

But now that you’ve decided to attend a show what should you pack for a day or two away?

Image Source

Paperwork – Be sure to have copies of your reservations, memberships, and other important documents with you. You never know when the computers will be down and you won’t be able to electronically check into the venue. Don’t forget directions to your final destination, a list of car services or taxis, and information about the city you are visiting.

Mobile Office – Why get behind on emails and other work if you don’t have to? Most hotels and convention venues offer Wi-Fi so that you can continue doing business even when you are on the road. Don’t forget your laptop, electronic notebook and cell phone along with the chargers and other cords and cables as needed.

Business Cards – You will be probably give out more business cards than you could ever imagine so be sure to have a good stock of them on hand. Keep several cards in your pocket at all times. You never know when you might run into a good connection and wish to exchange business cards. Also think of taking along a notebook to organize the cards you receive. A small spiral bound notebook with a bit of tape or a mini stapler will allow you to adhere the business card to the notebook along with a little note about the person or company and any notes for follow up after the show.

Contact List and Schedule –  Be sure to take along a printed list of the meetings, events and travel schedule. Time changes can make electronic devices almost useless when your whole schedule is listed in a time zone three zones away. Suddenly reminders are going off at 7am when your meeting isn’t until 10am. It’s always good to have a paper copy close at hand just to double check times or in case something happens to your electronic device. Also, have a list of contact names and numbers of people you are supposed to meet in case there are any last minute changes to your schedule.

Goals – Attending a trade show will be much more productive if you have an idea of which booths you want to see, which products you want to sample and which people you want to meet. Also, include companies you might like to work with and any other experiences you want to be sure to have before you leave. Most trade shows are HUGE and you may only be able to see a portion of the show so be sure to do the things on your goal list first.

For some other practical advice on what to pack be sure to visit Craft Test Dummies for a list of how Jenny packs for the Craft and Hobby Association trade show here:  Craft Test Dummies Guide: How to Pack and Prepare For CHA Show (or any other conference).

What did I miss? What items do you think should be included in the list?

By: Vicki O’Dell , The Creative Goddess