Displaying your catering products at catering tradeshows is a great way to get your merchandise seen by more people than by only selling your items from only a retail store location. You're going to need tables to display food pan carriers, convection ovens, cold pans, coffee makers, and other products for caterers and other trade show attendees to get a close look at your products. Initially you're going to need to invest some money to get things set up, but you can quickly make that back and more as you travel across country selling your catering products at catering trade shows.

Before exhibiting at a catering tradeshow, here are some things for you to consider:

1. Use a catering trade show directory to find the locations and dates of trade shows.

2. Get catering trade show information on displays and booth setup.

3. Buy display cases and accessories to maximize your catering merchandise for catering trade shows.

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

Find ideal event locations by using a caterer trade show directory

Knowing the dates and locations of catering trade shows will help you zero in on the best events for you to attend. There are several online sources where you can sign up to get trade show events and times, along with catering trade show services such as hotel accommodations and other information for trade show exhibitors.

I recommend: Visit EventsEye to find listings of catering tradeshows not only in the United States but around the world. Go to 4to40.com to find caterer trade shows listings to help you plan your schedule and make hotel reservations.

Gather caterer trade show information about booth setup

Knowing how to best set up a catering trade show booth will help ensure your success at an event. Seek out catering trade show advice from a consultant or other industry sources.

I recommend: Join Catersource and the International Caterers Association to get caterer trade show advice as well as trade show information. Go to Great Circle Promotions to get trade show advice and management services.

Purchase display cases and other catering trade show accessories for your booth

Many companies create customized and specialty display units for trade show vendors. Trade show shelving would be a great idea for your booth, allowing you to showcase your serving and display trays, ice caddies, buffet serving pieces and other catering products. Tabletop units and display cases are another great way to display your products so that caterers and catering companies can see your merchandise easily. If you have larger catering products such as ovens, grills and pastry carts for your trade show, hire a company to set up your booth for you to make set up easier.

I recommend: Buy shelving units to use at your caterer trade show from Smart Furniture. Go to World Class Displays to find a full line of customizable trade show display items including ones that set up quickly. Work with Trade Show Specialists to rent display units along with many other caterer trade show services such as storing your display units, as well as installing and dismantling them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Order T-shirts, hats and tablecloths with your logo printed on them for you and your caterer tradeshow staff. This will help increase name recognition for your catering products.