Optimize Your Trade Show Experience with an Event Checklist

January 9, 2015

Trade shows typically only last a few days, but the planning that goes into them takes far longer – in fact, it should begin as far as a year in advance. Here's a quick rundown of what you need to do and when.

T-minus 12 months: Look into the trade show options within your industry, then zero in on the one(s) that will best complement your brand's marketing and sales strategy. Research the event(s) – previous exhibitors, attendee demographics, the size of the venue, etc. – then use this information to put together a budget and ROI projection.

T-minus nine months: Establish specific objectives related to lead generation and product sales, register with the event sponsor, come up with a trade show booth idea and create a marketing plan.

T-minus six months: Develop a sales message, begin building your exhibit, start designing the promotional materials you'll hand out at the event as well as those you'll use to advertise your appearance beforehand.

T-minus three months: Put together a staff schedule, begin making travel arrangements, figure out display shipment details and order promotional items. Make sure everything is proceeding according to plan, because time is running out!

T-minus one month: Finalize shipment plans, staffing requirements and travel arrangements, and train staff if necessary. Ramp up your pre-show marketing as the clock ticks down. By the time the event is a week away, all of the elements on your event checklist should have been accomplished.

If you follow the timeline laid out above, you'll be in good shape heading into the exhibit hall – but your efforts shouldn't end there. Remember to do post-show follow-up with prospects, or all your hard work thus far may go to waste!

Need help with your email follow-up? Download the Exhibitor’s Guide to Email Follow-Up with Four Proven Templates

 

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Here at Mandalay Bay, venues are inviting and innovative. As one of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip, the Mandalay Bay Convention Center has recently undergone an exciting upgrade. This renowned venue now offers everything your business needs, with a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, as well as an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're searching for a venue that is both inviting and innovative, Mandalay Bay is the place to be. Mandalay Bay is committed to investing in a new wave of enhancements, not only in the convention space but also throughout the entire resort. With new restaurant openings and remodels, spectacular entertainment, and updated rooms, Mandalay Bay promises to deliver new and exciting experiences to its guests until 2024. To create a truly effective conference venue, Mandalay Bay has carefully considered what businesses require. The right technology, capacity, and inspiration are essential to take ideas to the next level. The refreshed Mandalay Bay Convention Center has been designed with your business in mind. Every room is equipped with newly-upgraded technology, enhancing our ability to support bandwidth demand and overall data capabilities. Additionally, the addition of 10 new digital walls provides bigger and more dynamic ways to display customized content messages. Mandalay Bay offers world-class conference space and service. The venue options range from ballrooms to ample pre-function spaces, catering to teams of any size while accommodating multiple large groups simultaneously. Our certified planners work collaboratively with you to understand your specific event requirements, anticipating your business needs and offering the best-fit solutions. In addition to providing exceptional conference facilities, Mandalay Bay is also dedicated to sustainability. We strive to give our guests an unforgettable experience while minimizing our impact on the environment. As part of our sustainable energy efforts, you'll find refillable water stations throughout the property, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles and reducing unnecessary plastic usage. Mandalay Bay is proud to offer an upgraded and enhanced experience for businesses seeking a venue that combines innovation, convenience, and sustainability. Whether you're hosting a conference, meeting, or other business event, Mandalay Bay's refreshed convention space, world-class service, and commitment to sustainability make it the ideal choice. Come and discover the new wave of experiences awaiting you at Mandalay Bay on the Las Vegas Strip. Wherever your organization is going, getting there starts with being here.