The next big step to expanding your business into new foreign markets is exhibiting abroad. Rather than waiting in your exhibit space for foreign show attendees in Las Vegas, or New York, or Orlando it may be time to take your show on the road. A foreign based trade show is a great way to identify the need for your company’s products and services on a global scale, while also making new contacts with overseas industry leaders. You can join with the USA government through www.export.gov, and enter one of their mass marketing pavilions or you can bite the bullet and be a standalone exhibitor.
Evolving your national trade show skills to the international market overseas is not as simple as you would imagine. The challenge of renting an exhibit thousands of miles away, coordinating show documents, customs forms, I&D instructions, with a non-English speaking exhibit house can be a potential nightmare. Now add in the many challenges that exhibitors face throughout a typical US trade show, which can only be enlarged when measured on a foreign scale.

You must prepare well in advance for international exhibiting and traveling. Since a majority of international shows run on a bi-yearly basis planning starts at least one year ahead International shipping of exhibits, if you do not rent, or products must be done extremely early – we have had more than one client’s exhibit get caught in customs. If you’re able to function without your exhibit for a few months, shipping it overseas may not be a problem for your company. However, if you cannot afford the time or cost that shipping brings, a custom rental may be the best decision for your international trade show. Shipping an exhibit internationally can take up to 30 days or more when you include shipping, customs, travel and unloading.

Business conducted outside of the USA is very different. You never want to arrive at a trade show and exemplify the “Ugly American” image. From handing and taking a business car in Asia, to not offering a beverage in Europe, there are certain expectations that if not met make your company look unprofessional. As a single source, Absolute Exhibits works with exacting trade show exhibit builders around the globe. We offer exhibit rentals with catering services, translators, and complete I&D teams to ensure your event is coordinated seamlessly and without worry. You simply need to work in our time zones as early as possible preceding the show, set your standards, and show up!