Writing an exhibition plan

LDS. 2008-7-10 Planning is a necessary part of success. Careful and meticulous planning of your exhibition is no exception. It¡¯s easy to underestimate how long it takes to properly plan for an exhibition and therefore you should be starting 4 ¨C 6 months ahead of the show. For some companies with larger exhibition stands and a more complicated exhibiting schedule, planning may need to start up to 12 months in advance.

It¡¯s quite simple ¨C planning for your exhibition makes life so much easier! And it can help you avoid additional expenses and last minute panics.

• Appoint an exhibition co-ordinator with overall responsibility
• Write an exhibition plan with key activities, dates and responsibilities
• Get everyone involved that needs to be ¨C circulate a copy of the exhibition plan with responsibilities and then keep chasing them
• Stick to your deadlines

A written exhibition plan should provide:

• Objectives
• Time scales
• Budgets
• Space requirements
• Stand and graphic design parameters
• On-site services
• Transportation and logistics
• Staffing levels and training
• Pre- and post-show promotions
• Show evaluation criteria
• On-stand data capture
• Follow-up procedure for leads

Each part of the exhibition plan works together to create synergy and success.