Execute the Perfect Expo with This Trade Show Checklist

Published on: 09 November 2018 Last Updated on: 19 July 2019

Are you heading to a trade show?

Anyone who’s ever tried putting together a public product launch knows a trade show checklist is essential to standing out. After all, your competition includes anywhere from 50-250 companies as hungry as yours.

Each one will bring passion and planning to their table. You have to assume that anyway. With that assumption in mind, here’s what your to-do list should look like.

1. Get the Budget on Paper

Any preparing for a trade show checklist should start with the finances. How much money do you have allocated for things like marketing, travel, personnel, and materials?

Will you be there for the launch of a new product? Or will your attendance be more informational in nature?

Either way, there’s going to be overheard. Will that overhead, justify the projected cost-benefit you hope to achieve from the trade show itself?

This isn’t something you should ballpark. Details reduce expenses and create profits. They also provide a benchmark for future trade show marketing efforts.

Some other benefits of budgeting include the following:

Ensuring you don’t overspend
Helping achieve profitability if you plan on selling anything
Providing relevant numbers for tax purposes
Giving you a clear idea of which spending efforts are producing the best results

And that’s just a start. You also may be able to create partnerships from these exhibitions that inform data such as the cost of customer acquisition or indirect revenue generation.

2. Make the SMART Objectives

Any trade show exhibitor checklist will need to be written in the form of objectives. Objectives are specific things you hope to accomplish in the planning, execution, and breakdown of your trade show exhibition.

But for objectives to be effective, they need to be SMART, not smart. (Okay, maybe it’s both.) By SMART, we mean:

Specific: Your list shouldn’t say, “Pack up all trade show materials.” It should say, “Pack booth into box truck rental.” In other words, each item or group of items should have tailored directives.
Measurable: You should be able to look at your objective and determine whether (and how) it was accomplished. This ensures you remember to pack the important stuff. It also helps avoid partial shipments.
Action-oriented: Each piece of your inventory or each goal you hope to achieve should be attached to an action verb. Think “employ,” “carry,” “ensure,” etc.
Realistic: Can it actually be done? Or are you trying to do too much, too quickly?
Time-sensitive: Being time-sensitive keeps you on track. It makes sure everything gets the level of attention it deserves.

Make sure your trade show preparation aligns with these components. Doing so will ensure all your objectives are SMART ones.

3. Learn Your Audience

Another essential step in how to prepare for a trade show is getting to know the people who will be there. Take the annual San Diego Comic-Con, for example.

Superhero, horror, and fantasy films and TV series earn billions of dollars each year. But that’s from general audience support.

The audience at Comic-Con is a lot different. A lot more, shall we say, fanatical?

Playing to their sensibilities have made Comic-Con one of the largest and most successful trade shows in the world. Exhibitors give the people what they want.

These “fanatics” create a culture of fandom that helps put whatever property they’re supporting on the radar of general consumers. Only when exhibitors fail to make that connection to the fanatics do their films/TV shows fall flat. So make sure your audience is priority number one.

4. Make Early Reservations

Content should be your primary focus. You need your attention on it early and often. So get room and space reservations out of the way early.

Determine how many are going, how many rooms you’ll need, and when you plan on arriving. It usually doesn’t cost anything to make a room reservation, especially when you get ahead of it.

5. Dot I’s and Cross T’s

What are the legal terms of your attendance? Is there anything you may be overlooking?

Don’t just assume you can show up and be good to go. Read the fine print. It’s not a bad idea to hand it off to your attorney either, especially when the contracts are written in legalese.

6. Figure out Your Materials

Will you have any tents with your logo on them? Printed marquees or business cards?

Flyers, handouts, reports, books – what will help you leave your mark so the audience doesn’t forget you after visiting 40 other booths?

Now’s the time to figure it out. Don’t be afraid to try something no one has thought of before.

7. Test Your Wares

Launching a product at the trade show? You don’t want the show itself to be the first test run you give to it.

If it’s possible for the product to break or malfunction, make sure it happens long before accepting your first customer. Do extensive testing on your advanced prototypes in the weeks or months leading up to the event.

8. Work out Installation

Any trade show exhibit will have a “storefront” of some kind. It could be a simple gateleg table or a more elaborate booth. Whatever you choose, make sure you’ve got the manpower and the timing down to get it installed so your people can get comfortable with the environment before accepting guests.

9. Select Your Reps

Ideally, your representatives will be an even mixture of competent and personable. Now that package can be hard to come by in just one employee. Do a deep assessment of your talent and make sure they complement one another.

You wouldn’t want a couple of Big Bang Theory-type programmers manning a software demonstration if they weren’t very good with people. The goal is to make the product accessible to general customers. Always keep the intention in mind.

10. Make Sure You Document It

What good is a successful trade show if you can’t blast out pictures on social media? Whether paid or organic, the exposure you can get from a few well-tagged, well-captioned photos gives you a lot more bang for your buck – and meaningful relationships – than a dozen Super Bowl ads.

11. Identify Your Neighbors (And Competitors)

Part of getting comfortable with the surroundings in which you’ll be operating is reaching out to the people around you. You’re both in a strange new setting. Even if you’re competitors, it’s not going to hurt to introduce yourself and share pleasantries while waiting for the crowds to build.

Beyond passing the time, however, identifying your neighbors and competition gives you a chance to learn from them and they from you. Watching each other work in the same environment will tell you whether it’s a positive or negative interaction, and it can give you ample ideas for next time.

12. Actively Promote Yourself on Social Media

Promoting the event is important before, during, and afterward. It’s important before for a rather obvious reason – you want people to show up.

During the event? Just as essential. That’s because you can pick up impulse traffic with your social media posts or provide updates to followers who couldn’t feasibly be at your location.

Finally, afterward is a nice time to reflect, post pictures, tag new and existing contacts, and make a new checklist of the things you’ll do the same (and differently) next year.

One final tip here is to consider building a paid marketing campaign before the event. That said, you can go a long way with organic if you bring your relationship marketing skills to the social network.

13. Bring Your A-Game to the Event

In many cases, trade shows are the biggest events of the year for a business. They’re a great way to get whatever you do in front of the people or companies who can help take them to the next level.

As such, you don’t want your B-Team working the room. As mentioned before, bring your most knowledgeable and outgoing people to the event.

But don’t stop there. Ensure they’ve prepared a list of personal objectives for the event. Make sure they get the proper rest and show up to the event in proper attire and ahead of schedule.

14. Ensure Demobilization

Finally, demobilization is an important part of the trade show experience. That’s because conference halls often limit the amount of time you have to clear out your displays and materials before they start charging past the contracted time.

Either hire a moving company ahead of time or ensure you bring along the appropriate amount of muscle to disband and transport trade show materials away from the location. And it helps to have an effective portable trade show display going into the event.

Make Your Trade Show Checklist a Priority

Your trade show checklist will be one of the most important documents you have when gearing up for a major event. The other stuff is important too – exhibits, materials, accommodations, but something inevitably will fall by the wayside if you wing it.

And while you’re here, check out our top tips to help you build a brand for your small business.

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Can I Make My Own Headstone?

When you lose a loved one, it’s hard to know what to do next. One of the most important decisions you will make is sorting through all the headstone designs to pick the right one. This may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about memorial headstones, from whether or not you can make your own, to things to consider before purchasing materials. Can You Make Your Own? The answer is yes, you can make your headstone, but there are a few things to consider before doing so. When making your own headstone, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. The type of stone you use, the size, the weight of the stone, the design of the headstone, and the inscription are all important factors that will affect the cost and appearance of your headstone. Let’s look at each of these factors. The Size and Weight of the Stone The size and weight of the stone you use will depend on the type of stone and the size of the grave. There are many factors to consider when choosing the size and weight of a headstone, but the most important is the type of stone. Granite is the heaviest type of stone, so it is best suited for larger graves. Marble is a lighter type of stone, often used for smaller graves. Limestone is the lightest type of stone, so it is best suited for cremation urns or other small memorials. The weight of the stone is also a factor to consider. Heavier stones will require sturdier bases, which can add to the cost. Lighter stones are easier to install, but they may not be as durable in high winds or other severe weather. The size of the grave is another important factor to consider. If the grave is too small, there may not be enough room for a headstone. If the grave is too large, the headstone may look out of proportion. It is important to measure the grave before making a headstone to ensure that it will fit properly. The Design of the Headstone There are many design options for headstones, but the most common are traditional, modern, and personalized. We typically make traditional headstones from granite or marble and feature simple designs such as crosses or angels. We often make modern headstones from limestone or other less expensive materials that can feature more intricate designs. Personalized headstones are becoming increasingly popular and can be made from any material. We can customize them with images, symbols, or text that are meaningful to the deceased or their family. The Inscription The most important part of a headstone is the inscription. This is what future generations will read about what is there and is the best way to remember and honor your loved one. There are many ways to personalize an inscription. The most important thing is to choose something that will have meaning for you and your family. The Cost If you're looking to save a little money on the cost of a headstone, you may be considering making your own. However, this is not a decision to be made lightly. For starters, you'll need to have a good understanding of the materials involved and the process of creating a headstone. You'll also need to factor in the cost of tools and supplies. The average cost of making your own headstone can range anywhere from $600 to $3,000. The size, weight, and design of the headstone will all play a role in the final price. For example, a traditional headstone made of granite will be on the higher end of the price range, while a smaller headstone may be on the lower end. Types of Stone Granite is the most popular type of stone for headstones because it is durable and comes in a variety of colors. Marble is also a popular choice because it is elegant and can be carved into intricate designs. Limestone is less popular than granite and marble, but it is still a good option for those who want a more affordable headstone. Design When it comes to designing your headstone, there are many options to choose from. The three most common designs are traditional, modern, and personalized. Traditional headstone designs are typically rectangular or oval and feature classical motifs, such as crosses or angels. Modern headstone designs are often more abstract and can include features such as geometric shapes or nature scenes. Personalized headstone designs are those that are unique to the individual and can include anything from a favorite hobby or interest to a photograph or design that represents the person’s life. Inscription There are many things to consider when deciding what to put on your headstone. The most important thing is to keep it short and sweet. You want people to be able to read it easily and understand what it says. Some things you may want to include are: Your nameDates of birth and deathA brief message or quoteAn image or symbol Remember, the inscription is meant to be a lasting tribute to your life, so take some time to think about what you want to say. If you need help, many companies offer headstone design and inscription services. Conclusion Making your headstone is a great way to personalize your grave, but there are a few things to consider before doing so. The most important thing to consider is the cost, as headstones can be expensive. You should also think about the size and weight of the stone, as well as the design. The inscription on the headstone should be short and to the point. Keep these things in mind when making your decision, and you will be sure to create the perfect headstone for your needs. Additionals: Why Engraved Gifts Are the Perfect Gifts to Show That You Care

10 Benefits of Birth Control and How to Choose Which Form Is Best for You

When it comes to sex, minimizing worries is the key to maximizing enjoyment. The last thing you want is doubts about your birth control creeping in at the worst possible moment! Of course, there’s the obvious concern — pregnancy. Maybe you’re not ready to have a baby now, or maybe you don’t want kids at all. Either way, you need to find the birth control method that works best for you. Fortunately, there are lots of hormonal contraceptive possibilities. From pills to shots and more, they control your estrogen and progesterone to keep you off the pregnancy path. But wait — there’s more! These methods offer lots of other benefits you may not know about. Consider these other seven advantages when deciding which birth control option best suits you. 10 Decisive Benefits of Various Forms of Birth Control 1. It Lets You Plan Your Periods Has your period ever surprised you on the day you wore those new white pants? Choosing hormonal birth control can keep those “oopsie!” moments from happening again. When taken correctly, these forms of birth control let you track exactly when your period is coming. In fact, the birth control ring, patches, shots, and pills let you choose when your cycle shows up. They can give you lighter periods over time, and you may be able to skip your period altogether. Just remember, you must use these forms of birth control consistently for them to work. Pills are taken daily, shots are administered every three months, and patches and rings get changed every three to four weeks. Now, if you want to conceive, it is necessary to stop the consumption of OCPs for at least three months. All other types of birth-control measures should be dismissed too. 2. It Makes Period Less Painful If you are having an active sex life and choose a pill to ensure contraception, you can dramatically avoid period pains. So, it is all about staying happy while you are on a regular dose of OCPs. Actually, the pills augment your hormones and end up restricting ovulation. As a result, your uterus stays calm and does not go through painful contractions. 3. It Can Zap Zits Hormones play a big role in the pimples that pop up on your skin. If you struggle with a bombardment of blemishes, you’re in luck! Hormonal birth control manages, not surprisingly, your hormones. When acne medications fail you, it could be worth talking to your doctor about using this strategy. Pills that contain both estrogen and progestin can reduce the amount of androgen circulating in your body. Since androgen spurs the production of sebum, the oily substance that clogs pores and causes blemishes, having less of it means fewer breakouts. Correct use of a combination pill (as opposed to the minipill) can help keep acne at bay. 4. It Can Allow You to Manage Your Migraines Millions of Americans get these head pounders every month. If you’re in that unlucky group, the pain could be enough to keep you in bed for a day or two. Contraceptives can help you regulate the hormones that trigger that pulsating pain. These birth control options stop your estrogen and progesterone from dipping too low. With enough of these hormones flowing through your body, you can limit the discomfort and tension in your head. Ask your doctor if it’s OK for you to use hormonal birth control, though. Depending on your medical history, it could increase your risk of stroke. 5. It Can Protect Against Some Cancers A cancer diagnosis can strike fear in your heart. So it’s important to know if — and how — hormonal birth control can up your risk. When it comes to pills and IUDs, there’s both good and bad news. With hormonal contraceptives, you ovulate less, limiting your hormone exposure. That can cut your ovarian cancer risk by half. If you stick with birth control for at least four years, your uterine cancer risk drops the same amount. Those reductions can last for decades. Unfortunately, hormonal contraceptives do bump up your breast and cervical cancer risks. The good news is that it’s a small increase, and it’s temporary. If you stop taking birth control, you’ll have a normal risk level again after five years. 6. It Helps You Avoid Anemia If you get your period, you’re going to lose at least some blood. Heavy flows can present a problem, however. The more blood you lose, the higher your anemia risk. When this happens, you don’t have enough red blood cells, leaving you tired and weak. Remember the benefit mentioned earlier — those shorter, lighter periods? By controlling your cycle, hormonal birth control lowers your anemia risk. If you’re still fatigued, though, ask your doctor to check your iron level. You may need additional medication. 7. It Can Halt Unwanted Hair Growth Although your main hormones are estrogen and progesterone, your body does — as noted earlier — make some androgen, too. It’s the male sex hormone. That means you might see some unwanted hair growth. Sure, you could pluck it (ouch!), but hormonal birth control could keep much of it from growing altogether. The estrogen and progesterone in these birth control options can reduce your androgen level. Formulations with high estrogen concentrations work well to control male-pattern hair growth. Typically, within six months, that unsightly hair fades so much that you hardly notice it. 8. It Can Moderate Mood Swings If you have a few days every month where you feel “off,” just know you’re part of a big club. Millions of women struggle with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) every cycle. The hormonal swings responsible for these feelings are natural, but you don’t have to grin and bear them. Birth control can help. 9. Helps You Avoid Ovarian Cysts Any hormonal birth control measure can help you avoid the complications related to ovarian cysts. These cysts are not potentially dangerous, but they can often raise severe pain in your pelvic region. Now, hormonal birth control measures stop ovulation, and that restricts cyst formation. So you can get rid of the pain. Even oral contraceptive measures can stop the further growth of ovarian cysts. 10. Birth Control Measures Minimize Endometriosis Endometriosis is a condition where the endometrial tissue-lining grows abruptly at unusual places in your reproductive system. Now, it starts bleeding monthly and causes severe pain. Continuous consumption of birth control pills can help you manage such abnormality. Birth Control Measure: The Best Choice Specifically, the pill may be your best bet. Finding the right one, though, may take some time. Right now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has only approved one pill (Yaz) to treat PMDD. Several others can address PMS, so a conversation with your doctor can help you pick the right one for you. Choosing your ideal form of contraception can be a complex decision. There’s lots more to consider beyond preventing pregnancy. Frequently Asked Questions Which Form Of Contraceptive Is Considered To Be The Best? The implants and IUDs are the best birth control measures, according to the doctor. What Three Things Should People Consider When Choosing A Form Of Birth Control? The three things that every person should consider while going for contraception are: The existing relationship type The type of lifestyle The number of offspring already present What Things Should I Think About When Choosing A Birth Control Method? When choosing the birth control method, you need to consider the potential hazards, health conditions, and user-friendliness. What Are The Benefits Or Advantages Of Using OCP for Birth Control? OCPs are effective not only in controlling birth but they can reduce acne, menstrual complications, and endometriosis. Wrap Up This list of benefits can help you determine the other advantages you’d like to get from your birth control. A discussion with your doctor can help you pinpoint which option is your best fit. Even you can find your doctor prescribing contraceptive pills to you if you do not have an active sex life. You should not be puzzled in such a situation and consider it as a preventive measure for various complications. Read Also: How Does Recreational Marijuana Affect Your Sex Life Just Not Feeling it? Tips for Getting Your Sex Drive Back How Women Can Boost Their Libido and Improve Their Sex Life What Are The Types Of Sex Offenders?

Discusses the Growing Problems of Living Alone

Researchers have concluded that living alone, being socially isolated, and feeling lonely can pose significant health risks, particularly in older adults. Although the terms living alone, social isolation and loneliness are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. Specifically, living alone and being socially isolated are objective determinations either that a person lives solo, or has few relationships or infrequent social contact. According to the Administration on Aging (a division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services), nearly one-third (28%) of non-institutionalized adults 65 and older – 13.8 million people – live alone. Despite living alone, however, these adults may or may not be included within the category of social isolation depending on the nature of their relationships and the frequency of their social contacts. In contrast, loneliness is determined on a subjective basis. Loneliness is based on a person’s individual feelings of disconnectedness, isolation, or not belonging. Said differently, loneliness arises because of the divergence between a person’s desired level of social connection and the actual level of connection. To be clear, a person living alone may not necessarily feel lonely, whereas someone living with a number of other people may still experience loneliness. Risk Factors A recent survey of older adults determined that 43% feel lonely on a regular basis. More concerning is that among those who report feeling lonely, there is a 45% increased mortality risk. Steve Cole, the director of the Social Genomics Core Laboratory at UCLA, explains: “Loneliness acts as a fertilizer for other diseases. The biology of loneliness can accelerate the buildup of plaque in the arteries, help cancer cells grow and spread, and promote inflammation in the brain leading to Alzheimer’s disease. Loneliness promotes several different types of wear and tear on the body.” Research has established links between living alone, social isolation, and loneliness to a variety of physical and mental conditions, including high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, a weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, and even death. Indeed, a recent meta-analysis – representing cumulative evidence from 148 studies involving over 300,000 participants – determined that greater social connection is associated with a 50% reduced risk of early death. A second meta-analysis by the same researchers – representing cumulative evidence from 70 studies involving more than 3.4 million participants followed for an average of 7 years – similarly concluded that living alone (objective determination), social isolation (objective) and loneliness (subjective) each had a significant effect on the risk of mortality. Specifically, the analysis concluded that the likelihood of death increased a statistically significant 26% for loneliness, 29% for social isolation, and 32% for living alone. To put those risks in context, the researchers determined that the magnitude of risk is comparable to – and in some cases even exceeds – other well-accepted risk factors such as smoking (up to 15 cigarettes a day), obesity, lack of physical exercise and high blood pressure. Loneliness has also been associated with increased emergency admissions to a hospital, longer length of stays, and delayed discharges. In fact, a November 2017 study concluded that the lack of social contacts among older adults is associated with an estimated annual increase in Medicare spending of $6.7 billion. One Can Be the Loneliest Number, But it Doesn’t Have to Be Greg Bishop, an attorney in Park City, suggests that retirement is a great opportunity to develop the types of connections that can prevent or alleviate the health consequences of living alone, being socially isolated, or feeling lonely. He notes that although there is a general consensus about the potential problem areas, the solutions are more elusive. He explains that although living alone and being socially isolated are determined objectively, the underlying causes are overtly personal. For example, living alone may be the result of the death of a partner or because of a recent divorce, whereas being socially isolated may arise from relocating after retirement or from the children moving away. Given that the underlying causes vary drastically, the solutions for living alone, being socially isolated, and feeling lonely will also differ. In short, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to these issues. That said, older adults will likely benefit from the following suggestions: Proactively stay involved in the lives of your family and friends. Find meaningful ways to connect with them via video chats, phone calls, text messages and letters Establish new social connections – go to the gym, take a dance class, learn to play chess, or join a book club Establish a more meaningful relationship with a church or social groups Look for opportunities to help and serve others. Fred Rogers – the television icon from Mister Roger’s Neighborhood – shared that when he was a boy and saw scary things on the television news, his mother told him to “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” While that advice comforted him as a child, perhaps better advice for older adults dealing with social isolation and loneliness would be to “Look to be a helper. There are always people who are in need of help.” Read Also: Why Do You Need a Queens Personal Injury Attorney 6 Signs That You Need To Hire a Personal Injury Attorney Don’t Battle It All Alone: 5 Reasons Why You Need an Adoption Attorney These Four Qualities Are What You Should Be Looking For In Attorneys!

Execute the Perfect Expo with This Trade Show Checklist

1. Get the Budget on Paper

2. Make the SMART Objectives

3. Learn Your Audience

4. Make Early Reservations

5. Dot I’s and Cross T’s

6. Figure out Your Materials

7. Test Your Wares

8. Work out Installation

9. Select Your Reps

10. Make Sure You Document It

11. Identify Your Neighbors (And Competitors)

12. Actively Promote Yourself on Social Media

13. Bring Your A-Game to the Event

14. Ensure Demobilization

Make Your Trade Show Checklist a Priority

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Are You a Taurus? 8 Things to Know About Yourself

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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Related

Can I Make My Own Headstone?

10 Benefits of Birth Control and How to Choose Which Form Is Best for You

Discusses the Growing Problems of Living Alone

Execute the Perfect Expo with This Trade Show Checklist

1. Get the Budget on Paper

2. Make the SMART Objectives

3. Learn Your Audience

4. Make Early Reservations

5. Dot I’s and Cross T’s

6. Figure out Your Materials

7. Test Your Wares

8. Work out Installation

9. Select Your Reps

10. Make Sure You Document It

11. Identify Your Neighbors (And Competitors)

12. Actively Promote Yourself on Social Media

13. Bring Your A-Game to the Event

14. Ensure Demobilization

Make Your Trade Show Checklist a Priority

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Here Are Some Things That You Should Know When You Use Storage Units

Are You a Taurus? 8 Things to Know About Yourself

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Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related