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Your Expo Toolkit

Barry Siskind



 

I once heard a speaker say that exhibition planning should include reference to Murphy’s Law &ndash “What ever can go wrong, will.” There is so much that is needed to mount a successful appearance that attempting to plan for everything, in the face of Murphy and his law, seems futile. However, what a lot of planners have included a toolkit containing items to mitigate those things that can go wrong including everything needed to handle last minute emergencies. These incidental items can save you not only last minute grief but can also avoid in additional costs when you have to purchase them on the show floor at exorbitant prices.

The online dictionary Wikipedia defines incidental as “happening or likely to happen in an unplanned or subordinate conjunction with something else.”

To create your box of incidental items, by first list the major categories of items that should be included. This will tie nicely into your show budget. Each category of the budget reveals the potential for a problem that if thought about in advance can be avoided.

The next step is to add the details of each category. For example your tool kit checklist might look something like this:

Technology
Flash drives
Laptop stand
Power bar
Batteries and charger

Wires
Power adapters

Tools
Hammer
Multi-head screw driver
Nails, screws and pins
Knife

Personal Health and Hygiene
Breathe mints
Air freshener
Hand sanitizer
Granola bars

Display
Touch-up paint
Step stool
Tape &ndash double-side, duct and Scotch
Velcro

Travel
Gravol and other stomach ailment remedies
Emergency help contact information such as local doctors and pharmacies
Contact information for local consulate or embassy personnel

Miscellaneous
Pens
Sharpies
Writing pads
Stapler
Sewing kit
Shipping way bills for incoming goods
Shipping labels (for returning items)
Contact information for shop management

Your list will be considerably larger and more inclusive than this example, but this will give you a good starting point.

Of course, Murphy is a pretty devious fellow and the best emergency kit will always be lacking something include one more addition &ndash a form so you can record items that will make your emergency kit a bit stronger in the future. Keeping your checklist open-ended will allow you to reduce the impact of last minute situations.