Trade shows are hectic, detail intensive events. Even if you’re a pro, there will be snafus - with your trade show display, graphics, accessories, etc. Most of these are recoverable. And some of them may turn out better than what you had originally planned. Every situation is unique, but here’s a guide for a successful Plan B (or Plan C).

The Prep

1. Take the contact details of your main service providers – the general, the display house, the graphics company, etc.
2. Take the details of your deliveries – the tracking #s, the delivery addresses, etc.
3. Have a copy of your Exhibitor Handbook.

At the Show

1. Your trade show display is damaged – what to do? Field repair it. Most people won’t ever notice it. Duct tape is a miracle. Next best? Call your exhibit house – maybe they can rush deliver a new display in time. Last resort? Rent from the general contractor. Your graphics may fit well enough.

2. Your trade show display is missing/wasn’t delivered. Contact the shipper and delivery venue (hotel, etc) – its whereabouts may be known. And, contact your exhibit house – did they ship it correctly? Can they help? Lastly, rent a new display – you can usually have graphics produced in a few hours.

3. Your graphics are damaged or missing. Evaluate how serious the problem is – again, few prospects notice the small stuff. Next best? Have your exhibit provider get new graphics for you (they already have your files). Lastly, get new graphics on site.

4. Accessories didn’t get delivered? Do without - less may be more. If you have to have them, rent them at the show. Or go to Home Depot or IKEA for a replacement. You can jury rig just about anything well enough to last a few days.

You can’t cover every contingency, so don’t try to. Come prepared to overlook the little things and invent work-arounds for the big things. Keep your head and you can have a productive trade show even if the sky is falling.

Impact Displays sells trade show displays and graphics to work in any budget. We have compiled a list of tips to make your trade show a success - please contact us to receive our complimentary guide to exhibiting.