The year 2020 has been a tough one for exhibitors around the globe. Trade shows, exhibitions, and other public events have come to standstill due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With rescheduled shows and canceled events to contend with, now is the ideal time for you to check on your trade show exhibit to decide whether it is ready to make an appearance once things get back to normal.
Here is a checklist that can help you prepare your exhibit for another appearance once trade shows resume.
Is Your Trade Show Exhibit in Good Condition?
No matter what precautions you take and how careful you are, accidents are bound to happen and your exhibit may endure dents and scratches as you ship it from one trade show to the next. Checking your exhibit for broken parts and missing pieces can save you from heartbreak and ensure that everything runs smoothly once trade shows resume.
With this downtime, it is the perfect time to assemble and inventory your exhibit. You will be able to establish whether all parts and pieces are readily available. If not, you should be able to arrange how you are going to replace damaged or missing parts to avoid disappointments at your next live event.
In case you have been forced to restructure your team due to the pandemic, now is a good time to opt for an asset management program to handle all this work for you. After all, creating an inventory of your trade show exhibits by yourself can leave more on your plate than you ever imagined, especially if you are used to working with an exhibit team.
Besides, inspecting your exhibits, an asset management program can also help create and keep an updated list of everything you own as far as your trade exhibits are concerned. The program will not only assist with shipping but also provide alerts in case any parts are missing or need your urgent attention.
You should also check your storage space – where you often keep your exhibits. Factors like temperature fluctuations, exposure to direct sunlight, dust, and dirt can reduce the lifespan of your precious booth and exhibit materials. If your storage space is not up to standard, consider investing in a safer and more secure climate-controlled storage area.
Does Your Display Require an Upgrade?
Your trade show exhibit might still be as new as the day you bought it. However, we are living in a fast-paced era where technology changes in the twinkle of an eye. If you are yet to update your booth and exhibit materials to conform to the latest advancements, then you could be missing out on a lot. You should make a point to refurbish your display to reflect your brand accordingly. Refurbishments can include anything from inspections to repairs to replacements.
Here are some questions that you can ask yourself or your team to determine whether it is time to refurbish your trade show exhibit.
- Does our exhibit design represent our brand?
- Is our exhibit consistent with our social media and website messaging?
- Has our graphic messaging brought about any business leads?
- Are any parts or pieces missing?
- Are any design elements looking outdated?
- Does our exhibit strictly adhere to COVID-19 guidelines?
- Does our exhibit have adequate room for social distancing once trade shows resume?
If your exhibit has been in existence for more than two years then it is high time your considered giving it a facelift. Your business might have inevitably gone through various changes in the past few years to the extent that your current exhibit does not match your brand.
Refurbishing your exhibit will make sure it remains new every time and this will eventually save you from buying another one. Renovating your display is also a great chance to update your messaging and reconfigure vital components. Once trade shows resume, you will be able to attract and accommodate more traffic without violating social distancing guidelines.
Does Your Trade Show Exhibit Fit Your Brand?
Businesses tend to change and evolve with time. While refurbishing and renovating your exhibit can help your brand keep up with the latest update, it is somewhat difficult to make all these changes at once. In some instances, it might make more sense to invest in a new trade show exhibit altogether. A new booth is easier to modify and you can ensure it fits your messaging and marketing needs just before it leaves the factory. Also, you can ensure that it has sufficient space to address safety concerns brought about by the turmoil.
Here are a few points that can help you decide whether a new exhibit is what you need:
- Does your current exhibit create a memorable experience for your visitors?
- Have your business goals changed tremendously over the past few years?
- Is your current exhibit big enough to achieve all your trade show goals?
- Do you feel you need to add more features to your exhibit to attract more guests?
If the answer to all the above is YES, then you need a new trade show exhibit. It is just a matter of time before trade shows are back. How you prepare yourself for the reopening can make a big difference in determining whether you will be ready for trade shows after the pandemic.