When you're in the midst of tradeshow planning, take into account the number of employees you have and the type of business you run: For small businesses with only a handful of employees, your tradeshow preparation should be on a smaller scale than that of a large corporation with hundreds of employees.

Determine whether or not alcohol should be a part of your tradeshow plans. If your business promotes the sales of alcohol, you should consider including a bar; if your business is promoting healthy living or abstinence, the presence of a bar may be offensive to your staff or customers.

1. Include music as a part of your trade show plans.

2. Make sure your corporate trade show preparation includes refreshments.

3. Hire professional corporate trade show planner services.

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

Remember music in your trade show planning

Consider the average age of your staff members and the visitors to your trade show booth and select music that is suited to that age group. While variety should be offered, stick with songs that are not offensive and that are in genres most of your employees and customers are likely to find appropriate.

I recommend: Gig Masters will help you select the perfect music to accompany your trade show whether you need soft background music or a full service band. A DJ for Hire works with you to create the perfect musical accompaniment for your trade show.

Make caterers a priority in your business tradeshow plans

Be aware of dietary concerns when discussing menu options with caterers. Include healthy foods and vegetarian dishes and avoid foods that may cause allergic reactions such as shell fish and peanuts. Consider appetizers rather than full meals as a way to offer quality food while keeping the budget under control.

I recommend: Martins Caterers offers full-service catering designed specifically for expo and trade show events of all sizes to help you design the perfect menu. World Wide Events stands prepared to meet all of your trade show catering needs with menu options to satisfy everyone.

Turn the trade show planning over to the professionals

Avoid the time and stress of planning your trade show and trust a reputable trade show planner to guide you through the process. A qualified professional will pull everything together in a professional manner and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

I recommend: Freeman is a full-service event planning company that handles everything from corporate events to trade shows, making it the perfect partner to help you with your tradeshow preparation. Meeting Services Unlimited will take care of all the details for you, designing the perfect trade show event for your business needs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep a notebook to collect information about your corporate trade show preparation. Add price lists, food selections and fliers in the book so all of the information about your trade show plans is in one location.

You’ve likely spent months getting ready for your event. The final stages are critical. Adapt the following trade show check list to suit your specific needs.

· Review your exhibiting plan and objectives. Make sure everyone involved fully understands what needs to be accomplished during the show.

· Bring your event staff together for a final meeting before you depart to take care of final details, confirm booth schedules, and answer any last minute questions. Be sure to discuss proper dress and reinforce the importance of how you want your sales message delivered, which they should have memorized and rehearsed prior to this meeting.

· Call your event sponsor and/or the contact person at the event site to confirm all of your materials and booth have arrived and are waiting for you. Double check the location where you will pick up your items. Also, ask about return shipping once the show is over.

· Confirm your travel plans including transportation once you arrive at your destination. It is a good idea to call the hotel to verify your room requests.

· Re-examine your post-show marketing strategy and make sure letters, packets, and other follow-up materials are ready the day you return. Your trade show check list should include follow-up iwith all viable leads within the first three days following the event.

· Change your voice mail and email message to let people know you are out of town and when they can expect you or someone else to get back them with a response.

· Bring with you business cards, meeting calendar or palm pilot, extra pens and pencils, writing tablets, expense report forms, post-it pads, lead cards, itinerary, registration packet, and background on clients who will be attending.

· Make sure your office and family have a copy of your itinerary and contact information.

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

Success Requires Planning in Advance

Start planning over a year in advance to ensure you maximize the effectiveness of your trade show results. Use a Trade Show Planning Timeline as your roadmap to success...

I recommend: Trade Show Planning Timeline

Establish Quantifiable Trade Show Goals

Before selecting the shows you want to attend, you must quantify your exhibit goals. While organizations use event marketing for different reasons, it is essential to have a clear vision of your specific objectives.

I recommend: Trade Show Goal Setting