With InventHelp’s INPEX right around the corner you might be wondering how to get your invention, supplies and materials to the show or any trade show in that matter. Not all trade shows are the same, but there are some factors that go into shipping your invention and booth display to the show. Check out these tips to help you with a smooth process to get your trade show booth from here to there.
Check the Website before the Show
The very first thing to do when attending a trade show is to check their website and any informational packets you received in the mail. Not only is this a good way to find out shipping information, but it will also help you understand the trade show you are attending and important information that you will need to know. Each trade show should have instructions on how to ship your booth display and invention to the show, the designated times you should ship them before the show, and how to receive them once you get to the show. Be sure to double check where to send your materials since most trade shows use different venues for their event and not the address where their offices are located. Ship the materials to the exact address and make sure to have the right location on the shipping label. Most trade shows provide you with shipping and show labels to put on the outside of your packages, so once they are delivered they are placed in the right area.
Don’t Over Pack your Materials
Each exhibitor’s booth is unique in its own way, which means there are quite a bit of materials you need to bring with you to the show. You have your prototype, product samples, giveaways, television displays, and signage just to name a few. You’ll have to decide on what boxes, crates, cases and other packaging material you might need to order to send to the venue. However, over packing can lead to a lot of damages, not only to your invention, but to your supplies. Joseph DiResta, Director of Product Development at InventHelp, suggests to wrap and roll your materials in bubble wrap and use rubber bands instead of tape. Over taping prototypes and supplies can also lead to damages when trying to get the tape off of prototypes. You want to be able to place everything in the box after wrapping it in bubble wrap. You might want to save money on costs and supplies with packing everything in one box, but having it wrapped safely with more room in a few boxes will keep you from possible breakage.
Always Track your Delivery
With technology at your fingertips, you are able to keep track of your shipping and delivery for your boxes. Carriers such as FedEx and UPS make it easy for you to log online to check your delivery time and location. Make sure to receive a tracking number before sending your materials to the trade show. You will be able to see when and where the packages were dropped off, and in most cases, who signed for them on-site. If you plan to use a different way of shipping your items, there are apps and devices you can purchase to follow the journey with your items. The little device, LugLoc is a luggage tracker you can place in baggage or packages to keep track of where your stuff is at all times. The GPS system lets you see on a map where it is located on their app. The device even has a battery life of 15 days in case something would get lost along the way!
Outbound Shipping after the Show
It’s the end of the show and it’s time to pack up and go home, but don’t just throw everything back in a box. Make sure to follow all of the steps above to get your invention and materials safely home. Most trade shows give you step by step information on how to pack up your booth, make sure to read over those carefully because it could be different than how set-up went. If you do not receive materials, check online like you did before the show. Pack and wrap everything nicely as if you were coming to the show, since you do not want to leave with broken items. If a lot of your materials were given to the attendees at the show, make sure to pack with more support, so that the items left do not move around too freely in the box. Make sure to also track the delivery home like you did to the show to find out if your packages and baggage make it home safely.
These are a few of many tips to help you at your next trade show. Be sure to know how the trade show you are attending does the packaging, shipping and delivery to help you have a smooth process when checking in and checking out. You want your invention to make it to and from the trade show in one piece just like you!
The post Trade Show Travel 101: How to Get Your Booth to the Show appeared first on InventHelp Blog.
