My Trade Show “Bag of Tricks”

Problems will arise – your success will be determined by how you deal with these adversities. This is especially true when it comes to heading out to work a trade show. So in addition to my display materials and giveaways, I always take with me a “Bag of Tricks” – so that I can tackle whatever life on the road throws at me… all of which fit into a small bag or box.

So if you’re looking for suggestions prior to the next time you are headed out to a trade show (or packing for your coworker) here is what I travel with:

Hand sanitizer.
Tape – scotch, masking, electrical and packing. This can repair what broke during shipping and pack it all back up so you can send it home.
Pens – ballpoints, highlighters and permanent markers. Enough so when you share (and you will) you aren’t worried about getting them back.
General Office Supplies: Notepad, scissors/box cutter, mini-stapler, paper clips, post-its, rubber bands, whiteout.
Screwdriver/Multi-Tool.
Simple First Aid Kit: Nail Clipper, Band-Aids, Headache/Pain Reliever, Cold Medicine.
Tissues and Wet Wipes.
Sewing Kit and Safety pins.
USB Flash Drive
Batteries – sized for all the devices you are bringing: camera, mouse, presentation remote, etc…
Extension Cord and Power strip.
Extra phone charger. Because you will forget yours or loan yours to someone who will forget to return it to you.
Extra business cards.
Breath mints.
Return Shipping Labels.
A sweater or jacket. This way if the room is cold – you are ready.

What is in your “Bag of Tricks”? I would love to know what other trade show professionals are taking with them to the exhibit hall.

Best,

Rebecca

Rebecca Wyhof is the President of Blue Roof Strategies, a boutique communications firm for companies and nonprofit organizations. For more about Blue Roof Strategies and to learn how they can help you achieve your goals, visit: www.blueroofstrategies.com.

To subscribe to Tricks of the Trade Show, email: rebecca@blueroofstrategies.com.