Don’t Let Thieves Ruin Your Trade Show Displays
Most trade show venues offer some kind of professional security for the companies on the trade show floor, but experienced exhibitors know you can’t rely solely on security details that are often overworked and spread too thin. As a responsible exhibitor, you need to do all that you can to protect your own company’s investment in trade show displays. We’ve heard from clients over the years that have regretted neglecting the importance of their own security.
Numerous Opportunities for Theft
Most people staffing trade show booths don’t realize just how many opportunities there are for thieves to succeed at events. Professional thieves stroll the floor looking for opportunities to make a quick score. It takes just a moment for them to grab a few laptops while you’re talking to someone at the next booth or dashing to the restroom. The action on the trade show floor can get extremely hectic, leaving you vulnerable to theft.
Intellectual Theft
Intellectual property theft isn’t talked about as much, but it’s certainly a possibility any time a large group of industry leaders gets together. Special formulas, equipment prototypes, and proprietary information may all be up for grabs and thieves are always willing to take advantage of an opportunity. Corporate spies can download sales figures, blue prints, or marketing strategies from company computers in just seconds. Lists of qualified leads and call-back numbers can be plucked from a tabletop while you’re distracted by a potential customer.
Simple Preventative Measures for Trade Show Displays
While the thought of thieves prowling the venue floor looking for opportunities to steal from your booth can be daunting, there are easy steps you can take to minimize the chances you’ll be a target.
-Make sure you don’t leave your booth without someone in charge for even a moment. If you’ve planned properly, you should have at least one other person with you that you can rely on if you need to step away.
-Never leave sensitive paperwork, a prototype, or demonstration equipment unattended. If you bring anything with you that’s valuable to your company, make plans for private security and other measures such as a safe at your hotel.
-Avoid leaving laptops and other gear lying around where they can be quickly snatched. Never leave them overnight on the floor even if you have them in a cabinet in your booth. These can be broken into because they aren’t usually designed to withstand a determined burglar.
-Never label containers with words like computers, iPhones, tablets, or other electronic equipment. Why tempt thieves? If all your boxes are labeled “paper goods” or “pencils,” they’ll move on to greener pastures.
-Make sure that your computers and other electronics only contain the information you need for the immediate event. Using equipment that contains private information, client lists, or proprietary company information should be left at the office.
You’ve invested a lot in your event. It only makes sense to use the most extensive security measures possible to ensure its success.
By: Jill Amerie –
