In my trade show life, I have read a minimum of 150 exhibitor’s manuals and I can safely say that no two shows have ever had exactly the same rules.

If you don’t get to know your show rules, and unintentionally break them, show management may make you change your exhibit at the last minute, fine you, or even bar you from exhibiting.

On the other hand, if for example, your exhibit does not meet the exact show rules, as set by show management, and you are aware of this situation in advance – most show management companies will work with you and give you some leeway with written permission for compromises on the show floor.

Don’t look for compromise when it comes to installing your exhibit.

Read the rules and know that if you are in a union hall – those are the rules. This is not a show management issue – this is a union issue and there is no getting around union rules and regulations.

Another example – how many clients have I experienced that refuse to order electricity for their small booth, figuring they will just tap into their neighbor? This just does not work – and you will sit in the dark in your 10′ inline booth and watch attendees pass you by all day. All to save $100 – and what did you pay to be on the show floor?

Unfortunately, to some people it is all about the game and what you can get away with on the show floor. However, no matter who you are, you have spent a considerable amount of your marketing budget to be at that trade show and gambling on saving a few dollars could cost you hundreds, if not thousands, in lost opportunities.