Things to Consider When Shipping for Trade Shows
As mentioned in our previous post, attending trade shows is one of the most effective ways to grow the client base of your import-export business. In fact, studies have shown that 81% of trade show display attendees have buying authority – which means that 4 out of 5 people that you might talk to during the event could be your next customer!
Since potential customers and quality leads thrive in this kind of event, it is only essential that you give your best when presenting your product. One of the first steps to ensure a successful trade show is to ensure a smooth logistics.
Successful attendance at trade shows requires timely arrival of your materials at the destination. To help, we detail in this post the things you need to consider when shipping for trade shows.
1. Ensure Efficient Transportation Planning
Trade shows are very time-dependent events. Thus poor transportation planning could lead to a variety of penalties even before the show begins. It is therefore critical to choose a logistics partner with proven event logistics expertise.
There are certain types of information that your chosen carrier will need to know to ensure that your trade show shipments will arrive on time at the convention center. These are:
- Name and address of the convention center
- Name of the show
- Specific event room or hall
- The booth number
- Name and contact number of your company’s on-site contact
- Dock number for delivery
2. Plan for Show’s Conclusion as Well
The numerous instances when your company can incur penalties during move out.
One of such is not meeting requirements included in the Material Handling Agreement (MHA). MHA is the bill of lading for the movement of your booth, and it basically lists all pieces that the shipment contains as well as what company is assigned to the carrier.
If the company is not specified, the decorator will not allow the carrier to pick up the freight after the show. Due to this delay, the decorator may take control of your shipment and picks another carrier to transport your freight. This can increase your transportation cost significantly.
3. Build Relationship with the Parties Involved in the Logistics Process
Facilitating a successful trade show requires collaboration between Installation and Dismantle (I&D) teams, freight forwarders, decorator, and exhibitor. If you plan to maximize your trade show experience, you need to have a clear understanding of the entire logistics process – from unloading and installing to dismantling and loading out.
Penalties and additional overtime costs can escalate quickly if there are any inefficiencies in these processes. Having the right logistics partners, therefore, can help you navigate these time-critical tasks and avoid the heavy penalties that trade shows levy.
Overall, attending trade shows, though quite demanding and exhausting, can be an effective way to grow your import-export business. By partnering with a trustworthy and reliable logistics provider, you can improve your chances of achieving a successful trade show event.
Allow Excelsior Worldwide Freight Logistics Corp. to help you navigate the world of import and export. For any queries that you may have about our services, you may call us at (063) 525-9775, or you can send us an e-mail through wecare@excelsior.ph