Trade Show 101 – Just Getting Started?

Trade shows are an important part of marketing your company, and the contacts and impression you make at a trade show can be critical to your success. There are some basic steps to consider for making the most of your trade show experience. Click the link below to learn more.

How to Plan for a Tradeshow: Trade Show Basics by ESP

http://www.espexhibits.com

Trade show basics by ESP helps you with all the steps to plan a successful tradeshow exhibit with tips on exhibit.

Timeline

Begin with creating a timeline that will help you avoid last-minute rush charges and lost opportunities. There are a number of software packages available specifically for project management. Or, you can just use a simple spreadsheet or word processing program. Use this Trade Show Preparation Timeline  as a guideline in developing a schedule tailored to your trade show participation.

For organizational purposes, it is nice to create a notebook divided into sections, including budget, shipping information, trade show services, graphics, promotions, travel logistics, and miscellaneous information.

Strategy

Research the trade show. Review who will be attending as well as the trade show’s history. Many trade shows begin their space reservations before the previous show closes. Visit the show’s website. The majority of trade shows are available for exhibit booth space signup through the Internet.

Sign up as soon as you make the decision to participate – this could prevent late signup costs. Most trade show organizers will ask for an initial deposit to confirm your booth space and then provide you with the due dates for additional payments.

Determine who will be part of your exhibit team which may be both internal and external personnel.  Setup a meeting with your team and determine their assignments and deadlines.

A handy method for keeping track of each task is to jot down on your calendar each task per specific date and follow-up when you turn to that date.   You also should determine exhibit design, promotions, lead handling processes, staffing and logistics.

Exhibit Design

It is important to have an idea what you would like for your exhibit design, meet with other members of your marketing/sales department and determine what your message should be for this trade show. If you will be building or renting an exhibit, planning should begin at least three months in advance. If you are going to be using structure already available and making minor or no modifications to existing booth graphics, this can be done in about a month.

Promotion

Trade show organizers will allow you to rent prior years’ attendee lists as well as the current year’s pre-registered attendees. With these lists, you will be able to send notices of your trade show participation as well as the exhibit booth number. Additional promotional strategies also are provided by show organizers and should be included in your exhibitor-services manual.

This also is a good time to determine what promotional giveaways and literature to handout during the show. Add this to your time schedule.

Lead Handling and Collateral

Work with your marketing/sales team to determine what information you will want to obtain from attendees. Decide whether you will use an electronic or manual system for retrieving leads during the trade show. You should also determine what your post-show lead fulfillment plan would be. This should be done about three months prior to the show.

Staffing

Decide who will be attending the trade show and staffing your booth as soon as possible in order to communicate any show particulars and share your show strategy. You will need these names to order exhibitor badges as well as providing the staff information on show dates, location, conference registration, hotel accommodations, and air and ground travel arrangements.

Installation and Dismantling (I&D)

Determine who will be installing and dismantling your booth well in advance of the trade show. Estimate how many hours it takes and the dates you will be setting up and tearing down your booth. Provide this to the show organizers by completing the paperwork located in the exhibitor-services manual. This should be done about 30-45 days prior to setup.

Shipping

Determine what you will be shipping to show i.e. structure, equipment, display hardware, giveaways, literature, and supplies. This will help you decide what type of carrier you should use – van line or air freight. Provide the pertinent trade show information to your carrier and they will determine when your shipment should be ready for transport. Make your return shipping plans with your carrier at the same time.

The return shipment date can be determined by referring to the trade show teardown date and scheduling the pickup for the day after show closing.  This should be done at least two months prior to the show.

On-site Services

When you receive your exhibitor-services manual, all of the on-site services deadlines will be identified such as: material handling, carpet rental, furnishings, floral arrangements, cleaning, electrical needs, and computer equipment rental. Order online or complete the paperwork for each service you will be using. Normally, there is a discount for providing this information early.

At the Show

Prior to the trade show, make a list of details to be completed at the show including: picking up badges, confirming you have received all items ordered, ensuring your shipment has arrived, supervision of exhibit installation, pick up lead retrieval systems and blank bills of lading.

Show Close

Dismantling usually begins as soon as the show closes although not in all cases. This information can be found in your exhibitor-services manual. It is usually the time you return your lead retrieval system as well as audio visual and computer equipment. Normally, the floral will be yours to keep; however, plants ordered are typically on a rental basis and will be picked up by the floral company. The furnishings also will be picked up soon after show closing.

Exhibit dismantling sometimes can be started immediately upon show closing although some trade show organizers may wait until the next day. The repackaging of your exhibit is done after dismantle and, at that time, the completed bill of lading should be turned into the exhibitor services center. If you do not submit your bill of lading, your shipment will not be released to your designated carrier but rather it will be sent via the shipper of choice of the trade show contractor company.

Post Show

The trade show is over and it has been a success! Now is the time to turn leads over to the appropriate sales people; submit a personal expense report; work with the exhibit house to inventory the exhibit and determine necessary repairs; review final show invoices and finalize show budgets.   ESP can help you with any of the above details. We are ready to help you with our range of products, advice and experience for successful trade show participation.

 

Your First Trade Show

Advice for your First Trade Show Display

If this is your first time at a trade show, you are possibly a little bit nervous about how the event will unfold and if you’ve forgotten anything in organizing your display.

This is one of the advantages of dealing with ESP – a company that can help you every step of the way. We’ve seen all kinds of trade shows and displays and there is little for which we can’t provide either some advice or a definitive answer.

But let’s go back to the beginning for a moment and speak to those who are just beginning to think about their first display.

What are the criteria for your first trade show display?

Price

Either you’ve put together a budget yourself, or you’ve been given one by your company. In any case, the total cost of your trade show display is a determining factor in what you should be looking at.

1. If your budget is under $5000.00, you should consider portable tabletop displays, freestanding popup displays such as SALESMATE presentation displays, XpressionsSNAP 3D popup displays, VBURST! stretch fabric popup displays, classic popup displays with Velcro-friendly fabric panels or mural graphic panels, folding panel display packages, or banner stands.
2. More elaborate portable displays and simple modular display systems or possibly a combination of these display types usually fall within the budget range of $5,000.00 to $10,000.00.
3. If you have more to play with, say between $10,000.00 and $30,000.00, you should be looking at simple to slightly customized modular display systems and full custom displays depending on the size of your display booth and the image you want to portray.
4. And if price is no object, then you should consider custom modular display systems and full custom exhibits. Note that custom exhibits can be modular to a degree although they usually don’t have the same flexibility as modular display systems and are often heavier and bulkier resulting in higher shipping and show site drayage costs.

Combining display types is an option to help you meet budget objectives. For example, you can combine a tabletop display or a freestanding portable popup display with a banner stand.  Or you can use three banner stands to create a 10′w display backwall in your exhibit booth space.

Also, popup displays can be combined with modular display systems to help meet budget restrictions.  The possibilities are virtually unlimited.

Space

1. If your trade show booth space is linear (in a line with several other exhibit booths), your display is usually restricted to a height of 8′. While any display type can be used in a linear space, the most common are freestanding popup displays such as classic pop ups, XpressionsSNAP 3D popup displays, VBURST! stretch fabric popup displays, folding panel display systems and tabletop displays. Multiple banner stands are also frequently used to create a linear booth space backwall.
2. For island and peninsula (also known as end cap) exhibit booth spaces, the typical display is either a modular panel system or a custom exhibit. Although less common, portable popup displays are also used in island and peninsula spaces.

Multiple story displays are almost always custom exhibits or a combination of custom and modular display systems.

Portability

If you’re looking for the best in portability and convenience; if your ideal trade show display is something you can transport and set up yourself or ship inexpensively, you should be looking at portable tabletop displays, freestanding popup displays, and banner stands. 

 

These portable displays are lightweight and usually can be transported by car, plane, or via express shippers.

If you want an idea of how the preparation for a trade show should look, take the time to read our Trade Show 101 section.

And don’t forget, if you’re confused at all or feel overwhelmed while planning your first trade show display, please feel free to call 619-222-8813 or contact us anytime for advice.

http://www.espexhibits.com/trade-show-planning.php

A Trade Show Exhibit for any budget

Whatever your budget dictates, ESP has a solution to meet your exhibiting needs. From table throws and banner stands to popup booths and from custom portable to custom modular, we’ve got it covered with no rush fees – EVER.

Shop online at your convenience http://ow.ly/jNoEb, browse our Virtual Showroom http://ow.ly/jNpd2, or call us for a consultation and custom quote 619.222.8813.

Trade Shows are Like First Dates

Are You Nervous?

Trade shows are like first dates, first meetings, or job interviews. Unless you have an ego like Donald Trump, these ”firsts” scare the dickens out of you. They should. No matter how well you prepare, the unknowns trump the knowns by a ratio of about 10,000 to 1. If you’ve ever been on a blind date, or even a first date with someone you’ve just met, you know that a date is about being the person you strive to be, not the person you are.

Of course, not everyone has the gumption, the imagination, or the self-awareness to lift their game to the next level. Some people never grasp that first impressions are lasting impressions. They wear scuffed shoes to the job interview, slouch in the chair, chew gum, or dress inappropriately. They make the decision easy for the interviewer. On that important first date, when every word and every gesture is scrutinized, they monopolize the conversation, talk with their mouth full of food, and tell jokes that would offend Redd Foxx.

I suspect, however, that most of us strive to make a positive first impression. After all, we want to be liked, we want to be respected. In a typical social situation, we engage others in conversation in order to learn about their lives and to share ours.

Looking Good

Then why do so many trade show exhibits stink and so many trade show booth staffers stink even more. For the vast majority of attendees, their first impression of you is based on your display. It’s their first date, your first interview, and the first meeting for both of you. Walk the typical trade show, whether it’s a Chamber of Commerce “Meet and Greet” or your industry’s lollapalooza in Las Vegas, Orlando, or Chicago. About 50 percent of the exhibits are creative, targeted, and well-planned. The booth staff understands their roles and makes every effort to behave like outstanding role models. No inappropriate scratching, no Starbucks coffee cups littering the display, no obsessive Crackberry distractions. They are there to work the show and understand that during show hours they are on stage and every interaction is a performance.

Looking Bad

And then there are the other 50 percent. Let’s start with the booth. My oh my. . . too often it’s bulletin board artwork stuck to a booth built by the Alf and Ralph, the Monroe Brothers on Green Acres. Or if it’s a professionally designed exhibit, it’s long in the tooth, damaged, and the exhibit equivalent of Archie’s jalopy sitting on cinder blocks. Now that may be acceptable at the local hobby fair, but wearing the trade show equivalent of a lime green leisure suit at the Governor’s Ball is tacky (funny but still tacky). It screams, “I just don’t care.” Now you may be comfortable on your first date with a big piece of spinach stuck to your front teeth, but even if your date has matching green dental jewelry, chances are there will not be a second date. Trade shows are expensive, but the actual display is usually the least expensive investment over 2-3 years. So invest wisely.

Behaving Badly

Now the booth staff. This is almost too easy. So rather than riff on the stereotypical cell phone chatting, Motrin popping from a hangover, couldn’t give a rat’s @$$ booth staffers, let’s take the high road. The reason too many exhibits are staffed with the wrong people is simple. They are the wrong people. They don’t have a vested interest in the company’s success, they aren’t knowledgeable, and they aren’t “people” people. Trade shows are not magazine ads or television spots. They are face-to-face sales opportunities. How often have you been to a Chamber of Commerce mixer and the local bank’s display is staffed by a teller? The teller is pleasant and pleasant-looking, but he/she doesn’t know anything about the bank’s loan programs, CD rates, or charitable programs. The teller shouldn’t be there. The local branch manager should be. Pamphlets, key chains, and cleavage are not replacements for one-on-one knowledge.

Ideally, your trade show staffing should have senior management participation. They have the knowledge and the vested interest. Too often, however, they wander the show floor like a band of schoolgirls whispering snide comments about competitors, eating candy, and planning the evening’s activities. Never underestimate the power of a title. And unless your senior management is poison, meeting the CEO or President of a company in their booth can turn “interest” into an “order” almost immediately.

Want to succeed at your next trade show? Treat it like a first date. Look your best and mind your manners. Remember that first impressions are lasting impressions. And no matter how tempting that spinach omelet looks for breakfast, it’s probably a good idea to select the oatmeal instead.

Article Author:  Mel White, Classic Exhibits – ESP Trade Show Display Partner

More Trade Show Tips

Before Buying Your First Trade Show Exhibit

What You Should Know as a First Time Exhibit Buyer

• Don’t be intimidated by the exhibit buying experience
• Set marketing objectives and strategy which will define your exhibit marketing needs
• Be prepared for sticker shock; exhibits can be expensive
• Where to buy depends on the type of exhibit needed:  portable, modular, hybrid, large custom exhibit
• Plan ahead and you’ll not only save money, you’ll make smarter decisions

Getting Started

You don’t need a marketing degree to be successful at exhibit marketing. Exhibit marketing is certainly not rocket science.  However, it helps to get advice so you make the right decisions.

Buying your first exhibit can raise more questions than answers. There are different types of exhibits and different types of exhibiting. The best fit depends on how you plan to use the exhibit, the image you want to project, and your budget.

Chances are you’ll source your exhibit from a local exhibit company. Exhibit companies have been around for decades and understand exhibits and trade shows. Originally, exhibits were custom-crafted but then exhibit systems evolved as an alternative to the high cost of custom craftsmanship. Now, there are numerous exhibit categories. Exhibit systems which includes portable, modular, and hybrid exhibits are evolving toward custom-crafted exhibits, and custom-crafted exhibits are evolving toward exhibit systems. Both have distinct advantages and exhibit companies work hard to carve out niches along the custom to portable spectrum. The exhibit (or exhibits) that best fits your company’s exhibit marketing strategy will fit somewhere along this spectrum. Consider working with an exhibit consultant whose ultimate goal is to help you maximize your exhibit marketing potential.

Sticker Shock

Exhibit manufacturing is a low volume, highly specialized operation so be prepared for sticker shock.  Many first time buyers are shocked by prices of even a 10 ft. portable exhibit.

Average costs of displays:

• portable displays – $20 to $150 per-square-foot (psf)
• modular displays – $50 to $300 psf
• custom exhibits – $100 to $300 psf

The more customized the exhibit system, the closer the price will be to custom price range.

Where to Buy

Shop around and base your decision on more than just price. Work closely with an exhibit consultant with experience in design, marketing, graphics, and trade show tactics. Their knowledge will help you avoid pitfalls that trap most inexperienced trade show marketers. And expensive pitfalls are many. Working with a knowledgeable trade show consultant will save you money over time.

Most exhibit consultants or distributors work with exhibit system manufacturers. Some distributors are exclusive to a system manufacturer, but most carry multiple exhibit systems. These distributors range from sales-only operations to complex operations that provide value-added services such as design, graphics, rental, and storage. Generally the manufacturer supplies the distributor with exhibit system literature and assists the distributor with design support.

Custom fabricated exhibits are sold direct since custom fabrication houses design and manufacture the exhibit. Value-added services such as graphic design & production, exhibit maintenance, booth storage, and logistics (managing transportation of the booth to and from the exhibit hall and the installation and dismantling at show site) are services commonly offered by custom exhibit fabrication houses.

Exhibits can also be purchased from some graphics companies and some office supply catalogs include very basic exhibits. Usually exhibits from these sources are portable systems in standard “kit” configurations.

Most distributors have websites and many allow you to order exhibits on their website with a credit card. Design and consultation are traditionally free. Lead times for portable/modular/hybrid systems range from a few days to a few weeks, but rarely exceed five weeks unless the project is large and/or complex. Custom exhibit lead times depend on the complexity of the exhibit, time of year, and other jobs already in-house.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead saves you stress and possibly money too. Most importantly, planning ahead helps you avoid making hasty decisions. Some exhibit companies offer a discount for long lead times which allows them to use staff and resources efficiently especially during the main selling season. Planning ahead also provides time to correct errors and make last minute refinements which seem to happen no matter how carefully you plan.

Define an Exhibit Marketing Strategy

Your exhibit marketing strategy should include your purpose, goals, and final objective. Draft this before you are influenced by budget parameters. Your exhibit strategy should be consistent with your general marketing strategy. Creating an exhibit marketing strategy may reveal what type of exhibit or exhibits are best suited for your company. If your company plans to attend numerous shows back-to-back using a 10 x 10 space, you may want to evaluate portable or modular exhibits. If your company does a number of smaller inline booths along with a few major shows, then you’ll want to consider portable/modular or hybrid exhibits. When the strategy is to make a huge impact at a major industry show, you’ll want to evaluate modular, hybrid, and custom exhibits.

Put it in Writing

Once you’ve determined the exhibit, accessory, or service, request a quote from a professional exhibit consultant.  In the case of an exhibit, you might work through several designs modifications and quotes until the exhibit suits you perfectly. This process is generally free. When you’re ready to buy, insist that everything is in writing. Never depend on a conversation. Most sellers know this and will provide you with a detailed written quote.

More Trade Show Tips

Source:  Mel White, Classic Exhibits Inc.

Trade Show Booth Flooring – Thick or Thin?

Overrated Comfort is an Oxymoron

Standing around your booth all day doesn’t need to kill your feet or your back.  Not only does the proper flooring ease your pain, it makes your exhibit booth space comfortable for visitors as well as booth staff.  It also hides under-carpet electrical and internet cables.

Standard booth carpet is around 20 oz.  When combined with 6 lb. 1/2″ pad, it provides basic comfort but doesn’t quite hide under-carpet cables.  Channeling the pad certainly helps hide cables.  This means cutting the pad away in strips where cables lay so that no pad is on top of the cables – only carpet.  This usually hides cables but the down side is your pad is no longer one piece and re-using it becomes a challenge.  Depending on how many channels are cut, it may be more economical to purchase new pad for the next show than to pay booth installation labor to piece the old pad together.  Carpet pad is relatively inexpensive but using it only once goes against the Green principle.

The next carpet weight level – Plush – is 26 to 30 oz.  While the comfort level is an improvement over standard 20 oz. carpet, Plush carpet may still leave you wanting and under-carpet cables may still look like speed bumps.

Deluxe Plush at approx. 50 oz. with 6 lb. 1/2″ pad makes your booth staff and attendees very happy while reflecting positively on your exhibit booth.  Extreme comfort is possible with Ultra Plush 60 oz. carpet with 8 lb. 1/2″ pad.

Using Plush carpets definitely sends a message about your exhibit booth and thus your company.  But how does it affect your exhibit structure?

The thicker or more plush the carpet, the more it impacts how well the exhibit structure fits together which can prolong installation time on the trade show floor.  When your exhibit is constructed, it is most likely set up for the first time on the shop floor – a smooth, flat, hard concrete surface.  Everything fits together perfectly.  Setting up the same structure on carpet – thick or thin – changes how the components fit together.  Keep this in mind when designing and building a new exhibit structure.  And keep a supply of shims in your gang box.

More Trade Show Tips

How to be a Trade Show Tightwad

With tight budgets in an uncertain economy, exhibit managers must find ways to minimize costs. Below are a few tips drawn from an article published in 2003 that still apply.

1. Negotiate Booth Space Discounts

Bypass the salesperson and call the show manager directly. Show management would rather make less money on an occupied booth space than no money on an empty booth space.

2. Trade Your Stuff

Is your product or service something that show management or exhibitors can use during the show? Can your CEO give a speech? Trade for free booth space.

3. Partner-Up

Get a partner to pay for the booth space in exchange for doing all the show preparation.

4. Staff Your Booth with Local Drama Students

Students can quickly learn enough about the product to pull attendees into your both and turn them over to an experienced sales person. This saves employee travel expenses or the cost of high-priced actors.

5. Record all Vendor Mistakes

Don’t request a fix, negotiate a discount instead.

6. Never use the Official Show Freight Carrier

At the very least, get quotes and compare to other carriers. If your booth can be shipped FedEx or UPS, do it. And send it to your hotel rather than to show site. Wheeling your display into the show hall yourself will save drayage charges.

7. Hurry Up and Wait Until the Last Minute

For shows you know you want to attend, start negotiating early for discounts on booth space to give show management time to consider your offer. Follow-up periodically. As the show gets closer, show management will be more interested in filling empty booth spaces (see no. 1).

By Sandy Flom/CEO, Extraordinary Show Productions Ltd. (ESP)

Find more trade show tips at http://www.espexhibits.com

Source: Secrets of a Trade Show Tightwad by Whitney Archibald, Exhibitor Magazine, September 2003

Graphics Made Simple

As an exhibit manager, you are expected to know everything about everything – including graphic production – when it comes to managing your trade show program.  Graphics used to be my least favorite topic simply because I didn’t know a PMS from a CMYK.  While I still defer to experts when it gets too deep, just knowing the basics gives me comfort.  Hopefully it will do the same for you.

Know Your Suppliers
Make sure your graphic designers are capable.  Review samples of their work from concept to end product.  Evaluate quality and compare to your need.  Is the work relevant to the scope of your project in terms of graphic size, materials, and level of difficulty?

Resolution = Dots per Inch (dpi)
To assure quality images, hire a professional photographer or purchase images from a photo company or web site.  Images simply copied from a website are rarely good enough for exhibit graphics.  Usually at 72 dpi or less, copied website images lose resolution when enlarged which translates to poor quality.

Your images should be 100 dpi or more at final size.  That means an image at 300 dpi can be blown up to three times its size (to 100 dpi at final size) before losing quality.

The Color Challenge
Maintaining consistent color is challenging.  Printing the same graphic from the same artwork on the same printer on different days can result in a difference in color.  Also, different digital printers print colors differently.

To prevent color differences, many graphics including logos use the universally recognized Pantone Matching System (PMS).  Traditional ink printers use the exact PMS color ink to print colors.  Digital printers however use CMYK – a 4-color (cyan, magenta, yellow, and black) printing process.  Digital printers can be calibrated to achieve PMS colors.  Providing a printed sample of the color you want matched is very helpful but a printed proof is the best way for you to confirm that the color will be accurate.

The finish (glossy or matte) of a printed graphic can make the color look bright or dull.  If color matching is critical, request a printed proof – preferably a finished printed proof.

Formats and File Types
You don’t need to be an expert on formats and file types.  Your printer should provide guidelines specific to their production capabilities and your graphic artist should follow those guidelines.

In general, the most commonly accepted files for PCs or Macs are those created using Adobe software including Illustrator, PhotoShop, & InDesign.  Files created in Quark Xpress, Macromedia Freehand, and Corel Draw are also accepted by some printers.

Vector Art
Vector art often referred to as being “outlined” consists of lines and curves that are mathematically defined.  Vector art is ideal for type and drawn shapes because they can be enlarged to any size while maintaining crisp outlines and details without sacrificing quality.

Raster Art
Raster images consist of colored squares called pixels.  Digital photos are made up of pixels.  Printing a low resolution file at a size larger than its resolution results in pixelation which translates to reduced quality.

TIFF or JPG?
Graphics can be printed from either a TIFF or a JPG.  TIFF files are large uncompressed files that produce excellent quality.  JPG files are compressed and although quality is usually not as good, they can be used for printing if resolution is high enough.

Linked Images or Embedded Images
Linked images are files that are “placed” or “imported” into your document.  Printers prefer linked files because they can verify resolution and color information and edit or adjust during the printing process for optimal output.

Embedded images are files that are placed into your document and then “locked” or embedded so that the document is self-contained.  Embedded files cannot be edited or checked for resolution or color.  This means the overall quality of the graphic cannot be determined until it’s actually printed at full size.

Files That Won’t Work
Word, PowerPoint, and Publisher documents cannot be used to print large format graphics.

Submitting Artwork
Simple files with just a logo for example are usually small enough to email. Production files of good quality are frequently too large for email and must be submitted on a CD or DVD or zipped and uploaded to an FTP site.  Printers typically have an FTP site with easy upload instructions however we often download artwork from a client’s FTP site or a third party site such as yousendit.

Sandy Flom | CEO, ESP Exhibits | sandy@espexhibits.com

Primary Source:  “Graphics Made Simple” by Susan Bendily/Freeman

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Trade Show Reform in Chicago

Reforms passed earlier this month by the Illinois General Assembly are great news for exhibitors and long overdue.  Pressure for change by those affected in the convention and trade show industry forced these reforms into reality. 

Fewer rules, less hassle, increased flexibility, expanded rights and lower costs for exhibitors.  Sounds great to me!

Highlights for exhibitors include:

• Although five unions remain at McCormick Place, new labor work rules reduce crew sizes, require less overtime pay and eliminate hassles for exhibitors.  A standard crew size is now just two people and stewards will be working; individual workers can be requested by name.
• Straight-time shifts can be any eight consecutive hours between 6 AM and 10 PM Monday through Friday.  That means big savings on booth setup labor costs since overtime rates won’t necessarily kick-in at 4:30 PM.  Saturday and graveyard shifts are time-and-a-half while Sundays and holidays are double time.  Labor charges are based on a half-hour minimum.
• Exhibitor rights now allow exhibitor staff to do much of the light work on their booth during setup and take down regardless of booth size.  The only requirement here is that exhibitor employees need to have been employed full-time by the exhibiting company for at least six months.
• Although McCormick Place will continue to offer food service, exhibitors will be allowed to bring food in for personal consumption. 

Less stress in managing logistics for your trade show booth leaves more time for focusing on other aspects of your trade show marketing program.  And perhaps makes exhibiting in Chicago a pleasant rather than dreaded experience.  Have a great show!

See more trade show tips and/or sign up for our newsletter at www.espexhibits.com.