A rookie in an exhibition will always do silly things because of being unprofessional and inexperienced. So yes, there always will be some common mistakes from a rookie. Therefore, today, we are going to talk about them and try to fix them for them and for ourselves.
There’s a term used in the exhibition world, “Be Prepared”, now this term refers to the preparation before the exhibition, during it and dragging to the end. But being always mentally prepared is what the act is all about.
There will always be consequences related to failure and paving the road to misery. Now, just picture this: your exhibition stand isn’t booked, built, or working. Embarrassing, isn’t it? Not just for you but for your entire team. Think of the wasted time, money, and stress.
The Stand Space Doesn’t Match The Stand
Have you reserved your space? Did you get the confirmation? Double-checked the size? Does it open on just one side, or is it accessible from the angles? Most exhibitions have rules about closing off open sides, and you’ll want to check them carefully.
Top tip: Always verify the orientation of the stand. Is the open side on the left or right? A misjudged layout could mean your build team spends half the day reconfiguring your stand, which is not ideal when time’s ticking.
No Power For My Fridge
Know how much power you’ll need, where you’ll place the sockets, and crucially, don’t forget to order it. There’s nothing worse than discovering your stand’s fabulous lighting or flashy product demo can’t switch on.
Yes, electrics can be ordered last minute, but you’ll be making enemies of the venue electricians. Better to have everything arranged and paid for well in advance so your build starts smoothly.
As for EMS-Exhibitions, we deal with different time period booking procedures. You can book without a week or pre-book it for weeks. We are always here to assist all the exhibitors seamlessly.
My Stand Is Deemed Unsafe
Planning a water fountain? Displaying heavy machinery? You’ll need approval from the organisers for that, including detailed risk assessments. Your stand builder should handle documentation safely. But anything you bring yourself needs to meet the event’s safety standards.
And don’t forget the water must be distilled, and fabrics must pass strict fire regulations. If not, your stand could be deemed unsafe, and you may not be allowed to open it.
If in doubt, call the organisers as early as possible. They’ll help you avoid last-minute headaches and make sure everything meets the necessary requirements.
My Stand’s Too Tall
In exhibitions, size matters. Does your stand fit the space you’ve booked? And what about height restrictions? You don’t want to arrive only to find your towering display doesn’t comply.
Measure twice, build once.
It’s a great way to test the flow, layout, and functionality of your stand before the event. EMS-Exhibitions offers this service, giving you peace of mind before show time.
Also, don’t forget to account for walkways, doors, and any hospitality areas. Safety regulations mean you’ll need enough room for people to move around freely without causing congestion or worse breaching safety protocols.
No Plan For Stand Staff
Hiring an exhibition stand from EMS-Exhibition is the best-designed one you will see in the hallway. However, there are many cases where some of the staff has never been on the ball, and the exhibitors are in trouble.
Because it’s not just about selling; it’s about engaging, educating, and creating memorable experiences for attendees. Here’s the thing: make sure your team knows how to work with the stand, answer common questions, and, most importantly, how to entertain and engage your visitors.
Your team should be knowledgeable, easily approachable to visitors, and ready to represent your brand at its best.
As an exhibitor, it’s important to test the stand after hiring. Put some pressure on it through the standard features, the products, and the key messaging you want to convey. Here’s the thing: an hour or two of preparation can pay dividends when the show floor is buzzing with potential clients.
The Giveaway Gimmick Fails
We’ve all witnessed them, the fancy activity of giveaways that pull in crowds. It starts from free tote bags to branded water bottles. But here’s the thing: while giveaways can attract attention, they’re often forgotten by the time visitors leave the hall. The real key is to offer something of value. Think beyond the usual procedure.
It’s very important to make sure that your giveaways tie them back to your product or brand. They should be memorable and linked to what you offer. But be prepared to remember to have a system for collecting leads while handing out those freebies.
Conclusion
As mentioned at the start, “Be Prepared”. Preparation is the backbone of having a successful exhibition. If you get it wrong, you’re in for a stressful hit. Therefore, get it right, and you’re on a smooth sailing trip. As a matter of fact, you’ll save yourself a world of stress and leave the event with new contacts like fresh leads and a reputation for pulling off a successful stand.