Things I Wish Somebody Would Have Told Me About Exhibiting

November 20, 2018

Candy Adams

Candy Adams, aka “The Booth Mom®,” is a hands-on trade show exhibit project manager and trainer. She helps exhibitors maximize the return on their exhibit investment using the best strategic, tactical and training practices. 

No. 7:  Fudge your trade show exhibiting show deadlines.

We all know people who procrastinate. And sometimes, the enemy is us!

One of my favorite old country-western songs talks about “living my life one step ahead of behind.”  And, with more and more time poverty in our lives, even if you don’t procrastinate, you can still get “behinder and behinder.” Some days I feel like I’m meeting myself coming around the other end!

Building some spare time into your show timeline will give you a little cushion between when you originally planned on having a show task done and when it will really happen. This can be especially important when deadline-based discounts are on the line or when missing one deadline will cause a domino effect on other deadlines in your critical path.

I don’t know if I wasn’t a quick study on this tactic of padding my deadline dates. But after a couple of years scrambling to work with my show team to meet the discount deadlines in the show kit, my mental light bulb finally went on. I figured out that if I moved up the deadlines on the written plans I provided my show team that I could breathe a little easier. Maybe I wouldn’t always be under stress to make sure I got the associated discounts and avoided those nasty rush charges.

Ask yourself, “Who but you really knows the actual deadlines published in the exhibitor services manual?” And does anyone really care that you’ve built a little bit of anti-stress self-protection into the dates that might also save your company money?

Be especially generous with how much you’re fudging the dates if you’re dealing with known procrastinators (a.k.a. serial deadline-missers), road warriors or super-busy colleagues.

 

This blog is part of an on-going series. Read No. 6 here.

 

Don’t miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE & engage with us on Twitter, FacebookLinkedIn & Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.