Here at Elite Concepts we know that exhibition planning is critical for a smooth experience. When you’re planning for a show of any size, the logistical details can seem overwhelming but we’ve produced the following handy outline to help you stay on track.
At Elite Concepts we’re more than a manufacturer, we’re your exhibition partner.
9 to 12 Months Before
- Work through the size of exhibition space you need, ensure you take into account the cost of the exhibition stand, any accessories, banners, marketing collateral, equipment and promotional items
- Register and reserve your exhibition stand space with the event sponsor and request full details of Health and Safety and Installation policies
- Develop a marketing plan that utilises a mix of promotional methods to reach prospects, tell them you’re going to the show, where you’ll be and the information you want to share
6 to 9 Months Before
- Write a compelling sales message that gets across the key points you want to communicate in 30 seconds or less, then use this as your base communication plan
- Determine your exhibition stand budget, design and layout. Will you have a professional installation team, or self-build?
- You can hire a company to handle design and production or take a more hands-on approach by using web-based exhibition design software to create the look and configuration of your display before handing it over to an exhibition manufacturer.
- Take your time to select an exhibition partner that meets your needs, based on their capabilities, design talent, cost and delivery timings.
- Identify high-impact tradeshow giveaways and promotional strategies you will use to attract visitors to your area.
- Determine the literature and marketing materials you will need at the show – and begin design and printing work.
3 to 6 Months
- Order your giveaways or promotional items.
- Continue working with your exhibition stand partner, detail delivery dates and adherence to your exhibition planning timeline.
- Determine staffing requirements
- Agree and detail how your exhibition stand and all other collateral will be delivered to your venue and its final position.
- Begin making travel arrangements, including hotel and evening meal arrangements.
- Launch pre-show marketing initiatives.
1 to 3 Months Before
- Continue pre-show marketing activities
- Confirm all travel arrangements.
- Schedule staff training.
- Contact event sponsor for any last minutes details.
- Contact exhibition stand manufacturer to arrange viewing of completed exhibition stand
- Finalise promotional items, and marketing materials and confirm delivery dates.
1 Week Before
- Double check travel and hotel bookings.
- Complete staff training
- Arrange final viewing of completed exhibition stand
- Double check that all action steps on timeline have been covered
Review
- Collate leads, send follow-up communication and make contact as appropriate.
- Evaluate success of trade show participation compared with objectives
- Determine your return on investment.
- Make recommendations for other exhibitions, including suggested changes, enhancements, and other trade show ideas.
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