Every trade show will be different and things may not always go as planned. If you plan ahead you can be ready to overcome any obstacles or surprises that may await you. You should consider carry a large quantity of promotional materials, promotions or key sales items with you. Especially, if most of your products and materials are shipped in. In case the shipment gets lost or does not arrive in time you can still proceed with the event.

It is wise to carry an extra office with you. You can keep a box full of things such as pens, paper, tape, paperclips, and markers. You should also have a small toolkit of some kind with screwdrivers, hooks, hammers, and some extra electric cords. You should also pack a first aid kit because you never know when it will come in handy.

If you are having any suitcases or boxes shipped it is a good idea to put your business card or contact information inside the box as well as on the box. That way they will be able to contact you if the information on the outside of the box is damaged. You should make sure you have your registration packet with you and also carry a list of phone numbers of all the key contacts for the event. It is a good idea to make sure that all of your family and co-workers know your itinerary in case something comes up.

A couple weeks before the scheduled trade show you should contact the event sponsor to confirm all of the details about your booth space and ask about where you would pick up your shipments. You can also get the name and number of a local printing and shipping company in case you have some last minute things that need to be sent or printed. If you plan ahead and try to think of all the possible things that can go wrong and prepare yourself, you will be ready for anything.