Trade Show Checklist – What to Bring to an Exhibit Booth
Taking advantage of a slow work day, I’m updating my “Trade Show Checklist” as I plan for some upcoming events. These are all items that I want on hand for any event. (This list does not include “exhibit-specific” items, such as hex wrenches or spare parts for display booths, nor “equipment-specific” items like Cat5 network cable, computer disks, or spare bulbs.)
I have not included “camera” as a separate line item because we all have smart phones with cameras built in.
Your suggestions are welcome!
Note that items marked with * are not appropriate for carry-on luggage.
Sources:
- Staples’ Trade Show Checklist (Margot Carmichael Lester)
- Checklist from Best in Trade Show: How to Exhibit at a Trade Show (Christine Brown)
- Trade Show Supplies List (CD-ROM template) from Complete Idiot’s Guide to Trade Shows (Linda Musgrove)
- Show Survival-Kit Checklist from Guerrilla Trade Show Selling (Levinson, Smith & Wilson)
- Trade Show Tool Kit from Build a Better Trade Show Image (Marlys K. Arnold)
cleaning
- carpet spot cleaner *
- duster/sweeper
- hand sanitizer
- hand steamer or travel iron (thanks to Yolanda Fintschenko for this suggestion)
- lint brush
- nail clippers *
- paper towels
- spray cleaner *
- tissue
- trash bags
- wipes (unscented)
electrical & electronic
- bluetooth speaker
- extension cord (heavy-duty)
- power strip (heavy-duty)
- USB cell phone charger
- USB hub for charging devices [charging station]
- USB Power Bank (battery)
- USB memory stick with presentation(s), copy of web site content
food
- bottled water *
- energy bars
- mints, lemon drops
health
- antacid
- aspirin, Tylenol™, Advil™
- band aids; first aid kit
- lip balm
- lotion *
- sun screen
- talcum powder *
misc
- logo tablecloth and table runner(s)
- sheet or table cover (for overnight)
- signage, banners
- aromatherapy (suggested in the Staples checklist; also consider scented wipes)
- flowers and plants (strongly urged by Musgrove & Levinson)
- map to nearest stores (drug store, department store, discount warehouse, grocery store) for last-minute purchases
- S-hooks (for hanging on booth pipe & drape)
- Level
office supplies
- binder clips, paper clips
- black markers (Sharpie™); wipe-off markers & eraser if using whiteboard
- blank labels (various sizes)
- box cutter, utility knife, spare blades *
- brochure holders (stands), sign holders
- business card holders (stands)
- cable ties, zip ties
- glue stick(s) *
- highlighters
- notepads
- pens (dozens!), pen holder/cup
- Post-it™/sticky notes
- resealable/Ziploc™ bags
- rubber bands (assorted sizes)
- safety pins *
- scissors *
- stapler, staples, staple remover *
- string, twine
- tape: transparent tape, carton sealing tape, duct tape, electrical tape; double-sided foam mounting tape
- tool kit, multi-tool, screwdriver set *
- Levinson et al. also suggest: hammer, adjustable wrench, pliers (standard & needlenose); measuring tape; super-glue/cement; cooler for beverages
- Musgrove also suggests: sandpaper, hot glue gun* & glue sticks
- Velcro™ fasteners
- writing pads, note pads, message pads
print matter
- Brochures
- Business Cards
swag (giveaway items with your company logo)
courtesy items (these need not be branded/logo’d, nor placed in public view, but shared to make new friends)
- packets of aspirin, Tylenol™, Advil™, and/or antacid
- candy (sugar, sugar-free)
- bottled water
- pens
- hand sanitizer, band-aids
- napkins, wipes
- spare USB charging cables & chargers, USB power-pack batteries, and spare slots in your charging station
- sun screen (especially for outdoor events)
- trash bin for public use (show may charge for rental and for pickup)
- anything on the full list above, to make friends by sharing
*/ Items like scissors and box cutters are not allowed in carry-on luggage. Any fluids, gels, or powders could also be an issue.
I never knew that these are all items that I want on hand for any event. I never thought that it would be like this, it is an intriguing article to read and I will also share this with my aunt. Thank you for the information about Pipe and Drape.