Electrical planning is one of the least glamorous parts of exhibiting, but it can make or break your booth. Many exhibitors make the same costly mistakes year after year. Avoiding these errors will save money, reduce stress, and keep your booth running without interruptions.

Under-Ordering Power

The biggest mistake in exhibit electrical planning is ordering too little power. If you request 1500 watts, that’s exactly what you’ll get—no extra. Once you plug in laptops, chargers, and forgotten devices like lead retrieval machines, your booth could shut down mid-show. Always order a cushion.

Forgetting Hidden Loads

It’s easy to plan for big items like monitors or demo stations, but smaller devices add up. Tablets, chargers, lights, and coffee makers all draw power. Overlooking these hidden loads is a recipe for outages.

Not Planning Drops in Advance

Without a clear floor plan, electricians will place outlets wherever it’s convenient. The result? Extension cords running across walkways or power in the wrong spot. Mark outlet locations on your booth diagram before submitting your order to avoid rework fees.

Relying Only on Exhibit Houses

Exhibit houses like Absolute Exhibits will guide you through the process, but exhibitors who hand everything over without learning the basics miss a chance to build knowledge. Understanding your booth’s electrical needs helps you avoid mistakes at future shows.

Waiting for Union Electricians

When something goes wrong, exhibitors often wait for union electricians to troubleshoot. If you use a distribution box, you’ll have one central place to check for issues yourself before waiting for outside help. This saves time and keeps your booth running.

Quick Mistakes-to-Avoid List

  • Ordering too little power
  • Ignoring smaller hidden devices
  • Failing to plan outlet drops
  • Handing off planning without learning basics
  • Waiting passively for electricians instead of troubleshooting

Final Thought

Mistakes in exhibit electrical planning can cost you time, money, and leads. By learning the basics, planning carefully, and ordering with a cushion, you’ll avoid the common pitfalls that trip up other exhibitors. For a full wattage chart and advanced planning tips, check out our detailed guide to booth electrical.