We’ve all been there- racing around in a panic on the trade show floor because someone forgot tape, cables, or any number of items you’ve deemed critical to pulling off a successful trade show.  How do you avoid situations like this on the trade show floor?  You plan in advance and prepare a trade show supply kit. If you’ve never considered this idea before, you might want to give it a try.

Make Life Easier on the Trade Show Floor with a Trade Show Supply Kit

A well-stocked trade show supply kit is as crucial to your success as a well-designed exhibit on the trade show floor. Your staff’s focus should be on potential customers, not scrambling to find office supplies, electrical accessories, or other materials if they suddenly run out or break down. While it may take a few minutes to collect all of these items and get them ready for shipment, it could “save the day” should a problem occur at the show. And that could make or break your ability to achieve your objectives.

A well-prepared supply kit should include the following:

• Extension cords, Power Strips, Chargers for Everything, Light Bulbs because these are in short supply on the trade show floor
• AV cables, connectors, batteries and remote controls
• Camera Phone, Digital Camera or Throwaway Camera to capture the moments for social media and press kits
• Screwdriver, Hammer, Wrench, Folding Hex Wrench Set, Tape Measure
• Ample number of lead forms and business cards, Appointment Calendar, Phone contact list
• Exhibit cleaning supplies, Paper towels and Shop Towels, Glass cleaner
• Breath mints, Hand cleaner, First Aid Kit, Aspirin and Ibuprofen, Antacids
• Office supplies, Sharpies and Black Marks Allot, Pens and Pencils, Folders, Staplers, Box Cutters, Highlighters, Paper Clips and Binder Clips, Scissors, Tape – Scotch, Packing, Double Stick, Duct, Velcro – hook and loop
• Lightweight Vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper
• Laptop or iPad including their chargers
• Bottled Water & Red Bull, Granola Bars
• Plastic Storage Bags, Fabric to Cover Displays for off hours, White out or white nail polish (laminate chips)
• Kleenex, Super Glue
And an incredible Trade Show Shipping Case to keep all of this organized, show to show.

If you carry these items to your next trade show, guaranteed your life will be much easier on the trade show floor.  You can watch other exhibitors scrambling around like mad instead of doing so yourself.