Event Survival Kit!

You may not need or use all of these items, but they are worth listing here to help you think about the practicalities of attending a show or exhibition. And don’t forget your give-aways and branded clothing from Mindvision!

Technical paraphernalia

• Spare batteries and chargers for phones and any other electronic devices you bring
• Contacts lists (for vendors, sales teams, and trade show coordinators) – Consider printing a copy.
• Flash drives, including blank drives and drives with backups of essential information – Include copies of all your booth graphics, brochures, and other printed materials in case you need to reprint items. Also add backups of digital media and any set-up and operation instructions for your booth and displays.
• Power strips – Pack the kind with surge protection.
• Cables, cords, and adapters for all digital display elements, plus backups
• Peripheral devices, such as computer keyboards and mice, plus backups
• WD40

Admin bits and pieces

• Business cards
• Clipboards
• Folders
• Notepads, sticky notes, and note cards
• Paper clips
• Packing tape
• Pens, pencils, and markers
• Plastic bags in various sizes - useful for samples
• Rubber bands
• Scissors
• Stapler and staples
• Tacks or drawing pins
• Velcro and BluTac

Stand tidiness

Spills and other kinds of mess are almost inevitable, so be sure to add cleaning supplies to your emergency kit. They’ll also help keep your exhibit spotless from day to day of the event:

• Cleaning wipes
• Dustpan and brush
• Glass cleaner
• Lint-free cloths
• Multi-purpose cleaner
• Paper towels
• Screen cleaner
• Stain remover
• Vacuum – A small portable one is your best bet, so you don’t have to find the space for a full-size cleaner. Or borrow one from the organiser
• Snowpake/Tippex

  Personal

• Alka-Seltzer®
• Allergy and headache pills
• Antibacterial wipes
• Disposable mini toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Eye drops
• First aid kit (including Band-Aids®, bandages, alcohol wipes, cotton balls)
• Gum and mints for fresh breath
• Hand sanitizer
• Hand cream
• Lint remover
• Non-perishable high energy snacks
• Safety pins
• Stain remover for clothing stains
• Throat lozenges
• Tissues
• Bottled water- keep hydrated

Exhibit Repair Supplies

As prepared as you may try to , the assembly of exhibit stands does not always go according to plan. You can’t afford for a loose fabric panel to prevent you from having a flawless stand. A well-built custom or rental exhibit shouldn’t need repairs, but if shipping is a little rough, it’s good to have a backup.

Minor exhibit repairs are generally simple tasks, and they’re a lot quicker to take care of yourself than wait for show services to send someone over. Carry these essentials in your trade show survival kit, so you can take care of minor repair jobs quickly.

Note: We’re talking about minor cosmetic issues from shipment damage. Do not attempt any major structural repairs yourself.

• A Swiss Army Knife  – You can use this multipurpose tool in so many different ways, you’ll find yourself reaching for it constantly!
• Allen keys
• Box cutter
• Cable ties
• Double-sided tape
• Duct tape
• Torch
• Glue (e.g. wood glue and plastic adhesive)
• Hammer and nails
• Spirit Level
• Lightbulbs
• Measuring tape
• Pliers
• Scissors
• Screwdriver and screws
• Small drill
• Touch-up paint
• Twine or nylon cord
• Velcro®

Once the show is over, review the contents to make a list of items that need restocking or replacing. This way, you’ll always have a well-stocked kit ready to go for each event.