21 Things You Never Want To Hear in Your Trade Show Booth

February 9, 2013

It’s great to hear visitors to your trade show booth say things like, “You’ve got just what I need!” or “We love working with your company!” or “Your booth really caught my eye!”

But because trade shows are so complicated, it’s possible that, no matter how much you prepare, something could go wrong.  And as the trade show manager, you’re probably the first one who’s going to hear about it.

How bad could it be?  Well, hearing any of these 21 things in your trade show exhibit will sound as bad as fingernails on a chalkboard:

During set up:                                           

  1. “Your shipper’s truck driver never arrived at the loading dock.”
  2.  
  1. “We can’t find your shipping containers.”
  2.  
  3. “Sorry, that early-bird discount has expired.  Now it costs 30% more.”
  4.  
  5. “I don’t know how to set up your booth – and I can’t find the instructions.”
  6.  
  7. “You’re not allowed to set that up by yourself.”
  8.  
  9. “Our other booth staffer missed his flight last night.”
  10.  
  11. “Our other booth staffer got violently sick last night.”
  12.  
  13. “Our other booth staffer shaved his head and joined a cult last night.”
  14.  
  15. “Your trade show booth breaks 3 trade show booth size regulations.”
  16.  

During the show:

  1. “Is that a typo on your booth graphics?”
  2.  
  3. “Our internet connection went down.”
  4.  
  5.  “Actually, we just signed a deal with your competitor two aisles over.”
  6.  
  7. “According to our lawyers, your new product infringes on our patent.”
  8.  
  9. “Hi, my boss asked me to sub for him booth staffing.  It’s my first day of work for the company.”
  10.  
  11.  “Wow, you’re still offering that technology?”
  12.  
  13.  “I want to talk to your boss, right now!”
  14.  
  15. “That’s not what your local office said.”
  16.  
  17. “That’s not what your headquarters said.”
  18.  
  19. “That’s an interesting product feature, but it really doesn’t solve my needs.”
  20.  
  21. “So, what is it that your company does?”
  22.  

After the show:

  1. “I thought you packed the leads!”
  2.  

What can you do if you hear words like these in your booth?  Forewarned is forearmed. 

Have a thick hide, but a soft touch.  Keep your calm, and be flexible to find unconventional solutions.  Handle the situation well, and then you might hear your boss say, “I’m sure glad you were there to save the day!”

What have you heard in your trade show booth that made you cringe?  Let us know in the comments box below.

Add new comment

About text formats
Partner Voices
Partner Voices
NO WISH IS TOO BIG AT THE ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact
Learn More