If only getting ready for a trade show was as easy as 1-2-3. Unfortunately, the list of what you need to do can get into the 100′s. However, the more prepared you are and the more often you attend trade shows, your checklist will become more manageable and more effective within each step. That’s the good news. The bad news is that it often takes a few mess ups, trial and errors and even a little wasted to cash to get to that point. In an effort to avoid this, here are a few tips in preparing for a successful trade show booth.

1. Make sure there is a “home” for everything in the booth. The goal here should be to have an easy to work booth that has a clean, organized presence without any clutter or extra “stuff” in the way of your displays. This includes products you are showcasing, office materials such as order forms, a stapler, pens, packaging supplies, giveaways, employee bags, personal items and all other items you know will be in your booth environment. Table clothes offer an attractive addition to booths while also allowing for a disguise to messes beneath them. Use containers and other organizing essentials to hide anything extra you have at your booth so that your products stand out  – not your mess. Don’t forget pen holders and paper organizers, as well.

2. Prepare in advance how you plan to get your booth to stand out. Let’s face it – trade show aisles can tend to look the same and the booths that line up among these aisles often blend into each other. Before you get to the show, consider what you will do to make sure your booth is not on the “boring list”. Use color, decor, music, accessories and lighting to help give your booth some ambiance. Plan in advance so that you have everything you need to make your booth “pop”.

3. Have a merchandising execution plan. If you know height will add some appeal to your displays, don’t wait till the last minute to get table risers  for your display. By doing a trial run for your merchandising prior to the show, you will know in advance what you may need, don’t want and should plan to have for the show.

4. Think about your personal comfort. If you know you will want mints, tissues, hand lotion or anything else, plan all this in advance to avoid high mark-ups on these items on convenience stores and time spent getting these that will keep you away from your booth. Bottles of water are a great thing to pack, as well, to offer both buyers and have for yourself.

5.  Have your packaging materials ready to go. Tape, black markers, boxes, tissue paper… the list goes on. If you have everything you need ready to go before break down comes, you won’t be wasting time looking for everything you need. Push yourself a step further to actually write shipping forms in advance and other necessary postage details so that you can just pack and go. The booths around you will be envious of your preparation and quick clean up!

While it’s great to be as best prepared as you can be, the best way to fully be prepared is to prepare for the unexpected. Even the best planner may be thrown a curve ball when it comes to traveling, packing and preparing for a trade show. But the better prepared you, the better the show will be. Let the buyers be your number one priority and let the rest of the details be dealt with in advance!

So what are you waiting for? Get started in preparing for your next show!