Start Planning Your Events And Timeline Now

2015 is in full swing and we are all trying to keep our planning on target. What better time than this early in the year to make sure all of your upcoming events are prepared? If you are charged with the task of investing in a new trade show exhibit for your company, it is never too early to get started. Planning ahead will save you from a mountain of stress AND save you money!

Once you have identified the shows you plan to attend, ask your exhibit consultant for a timeline. He or she will be well versed in the critical dates that need to be observed to ensure that your event runs like a finely oiled machine.

Get a timeline in writing and share it with everyone involved in the project. Be certain to include key marketing and sales personnel, the purchasing and accounting department, and any key decision makers. A solid timeline will ensure that the project stays on schedule and holds all involved accountable. Below is an actual and very basic timeline that served to keep an exhibitor on track throughout their busy season. You will see that you just can’t wait until the last minute to get started.

Expo: January 26-28th, 2015
McCormick Place, Chicago
Exhibitor Time Line

• Internal Company Meeting: Oct. 15th, 2014
  • Review objectives for show.
    Identify graphic, structural and functional needs of exhibit.
• Initial Meeting with Skyline: Oct. 30, 2014
  • Review exhibit needs, pre-show promotions, shipping needs and installation and dismantle requirements.
• Presentation/ Exhibit solution: Nov. 10th, 2014
• Revisions: Nov. 17th, 2014
• Final approval/art due: Dec. 1st, 2014
• Payment due/orders placed: Dec. 5th, 2014
• Exhibit Preview: Jan. 5th, 2015
• Ship to Advanced Warehouse: Jan. 9th, 2015
• Arrive to Advanced Warehouse: Before Jan. 14th, 2015
• Post Show Meeting: Feb. 3rd, 2015

Make the commitment to get started NOW. Your ROI and and stress level (or lack of) will be extraordinary.

By: Louise Marek – February 12, 2015