Portable Exhibits / Trade Show and Event Tips / Fine-Tune Your Trade Show Knowledge /

Emergency Trade Show Booth Supplies

Emergency Booth Supplies

  • Be prepared. There will always be unanticipated emergencies
  • Office/Promotional Items
  • Tools/Maintenance Items
  • Staff/Personal Items

You’ve gone through your checklist a dozen times over. Your staff has been thoroughly trained, your brochures and giveaways are neatly arrayed before you, and you are ready for show time! Yet no matter how prepared you are for your exhibit, there will always be unanticipated circumstances. Here are some items you should keep in your booth just in case.

Office/Promotional Items

  • Extra giveaway items -- In case demand is higher than anticipated
  • Additional promotional literature and marketing materials
  • Business cards and business card holders if you have counter space
  • Felt-tip Sharpies -- At least a dozen since they tend to disappear
  • Pens, pencils, and highlighters
  • Stapler with extra staples/paper clips
  • Notepads and post-it notes
  • Calculators -- One per staffer
  • Staffer schedule/ contact info/ list of back-up staff members
  • Extra batteries if you use a wireless mouse or keyboard

Tools/Maintenance Items

  • Duct tape -- Just ask MacGyver … anything can be fixed with duct tape!
  • Packaging tape – you’ll want one roll during dismantle
  • Backup light bulbs
  • Glass cleaner with rags and paper towels
  • Clorox wipes
  • Utility knife
  • Tape measure
  • Hammer/screwdriver (Phillips head and regular)
  • Velcro -- It’s a trade show necessity for all kinds of graphic emergencies

Staff/Personal Items

  • Tissues
  • Anti-bacterial hand gel -- You will be shaking a lot of hands
  • First-aid kit: pain relievers, band-aids, disinfectant, cotton pads, burn cream
  • Bottled water -- Not to be consumed in the booth and cheaper than buying water at the show
  • Throat lozenges
  • Breath mints -- To be consumed in the booth
  • Hand lotion -- Use in moderation, think handshakes!

Contact Us

For more information about trade show or event marketing, give us a call or Contact Us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you with your next event.

Article Author:

Mel White, CEI

Add designs and photos to your personal gallery simply by clicking on the +My Gallery links

Then email your "My Gallery" to colleagues, friends, or your favorite exhibit designer. There's no better way to begin designing a display that reflects your exhibit marketing goals.

Note: My Gallery uses a temporary browser cookie to store your gallery. We recommend that you send your gallery to your email address if you need to retain it for longer than 30 days.

  • Suggested lead times may vary depending on current orders. Please check with Customer Service.
  • Production lead times are based on business days and DO NOT include any shipping days.
  • Production-ready artwork (when applicable) must accompany the order confirmation. Delays in uploading artwork may lead to expedited charges or shipping changes.
  • No order will be released to Production without a signed order confirmation.
  • Shipping is based on the availability of materials and graphics. Additional charges may apply if materials or graphics must be expedited.
  • Standard lead times do not apply to orders of multiple quantities.
Exhibit Weight varies depending on the packaging and the shipping method. Variables include but are not limited to:
  • Dimensional Weight vs. Actual Weight: Dimensional weight is defined as crate or case size. On most air shipments, the dimensional weight exceeds the actual weight
  • Portable Cases vs. Wood Crates or Molded Tubs (where applicable): Exhibit designs that require one wood crate would require multiple portable cases. Selecting one vs. the other affects the total weight (dimensional or actual).
  • Freight Carrier: LTL carriers (Less than Truckload) quote freight based on space used. UPS, FedEx, and air freight carriers quote freight based on either the dimensional or the actual weight of the shipment.
  • Freight Service Level (number of days): Service levels range from Same Day Delivery to Two Week Delivery.
For more information about exhibit weights and freight options, please contact your local exhibit representative.
Electrical, Cord, and Wire Management varies depending on the display and each exhibitor's requirements. When ordering your trade show display, consider the following electrical/wire management issues and discuss your options with an exhibit professional:
  • Inline vs. Island Displays
  • Lead Retrieval Devices
  • Computer and Monitor Cables
  • Demo Equipment
  • Overhead Lighting
  • Grommets and Grommet Placement in Counters
  • Overhead vs. Floor Power Supply
  • Flooring and Electrical Wiring
  • Options for Hiding Cords and Cables
  • Flat vs. Round Electrical Cords
  • Multi-Plug Outlets and Extension Cords
By reviewing your wiring options BEFORE you order your display, you'll save TIME and MONEY and ensure your exhibit exceeds your expectations and your installation is trouble-free.