Exhibit shipping services are the perfect way to get your conference set-up materials from point A to point B with little hassle. Traveling across the world can be problematic enough when your luggage takes that proverbial "left turn at Albuquerque." Having the same misfortune befall your important exhibit equipment would be disastrous. Hotel gift shops normally sell toothbrushes and combs; they rarely carry corporate-specific charts, graphs and LCD projector displays.

Event shipping services can pick up your conference or exhibit material right at your office door, and within hours or days, have the material awaiting you at your destination. Conference shipping services are so effective, many regular business travelers even send along their luggage with the exhibit material.

Exhibit shipping services are useful for delivering the following:

1. Small items, such as presentation documents or even a laptop computer, can be safely delivered using an event shipping service.

2. A conference shipping service is ideal for delivering medium-sized breakables, like LCD Projectors.

3. Event shipping companies that handle freight are perfect for delivery large quantities of product to either give away or sell at a trade show.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use conference shipping services to get your documents delivered quickly

Picture this: You've spent hundreds of dollars printing gorgeous glossy press kits to promote the your company's newest million-dollar product venture. You need to get these press kits to the annual trade show where your product will be unveiled. What do you with the press kits that can make or break your company? If you said 'jam them in your suitcase next to your argyle socks,' you may want to consider a career change. And maybe a change of socks. No one wears argyle anymore.

I recommend: For event shipping of smaller packages, like laptop computers or documents, try using FedEx. For worldwide service with timely delivery, DHL is also another excellent and reliable option.

Avoid breaking the breakables with event shipping services

Let's be frank: Jamming anything into your suitcase next to your socks, argyle or not, just isn't a good idea. This certainly rings true with sensitive, expensive pieces of equipment like LCD projectors or speakers. Having the medium-sized equipment shipped to your conference location eliminates the worry, and leaves plenty of room in your suitcase for all your personal effects.

I recommend: For medium-sized tradeshow shipping solutions, Pak Mail offers a number of brick-and-mortar locations, local pick-up and packing for all their carriers. And UPS offers a variety of services designed to get your event equipment where you need it when you need it.

Move bulk material with event shipping services

You've delivered the press kits; you've shipped the presentation equipment; now all you need to do is get the cases upon cases of new product to the grand unveiling. Now, even you wouldn't consider stuffing a suitcase with hundreds of pounds of electric toothbrushes or state-of-the-art tazers with ergonomic grips. Finding a freight service to transport your product is an absolute must.

I recommend: The Shaker Group is a one-stop shopping service for all your exhibit shipping needs, with everything from station wagons to 53' combo tractor trailer trucks. For worldwide packing and shipping services, try Craters and Freighters.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If using an event shipping company to deliver conference goods to a hotel prior to your event, it's important to call ahead and alert the hotel front desk of the package arrivals. That way the GSA can make a note of the expected packages in your room reservation and insure your shipment is accepted.