We’re halfway through 2018, barreling into the third quarter. As you look at your plan for the remainder of 2018 and into 1Q 2019, how’s it going? If you find yourself off track, there’s still time to adjust the sails and start this voyage anew. You can do it. Just keep these four tips in mind as you refresh your tradeshow plan.
A master calendar is key. Start by creating a master calendar of all your deadlines and commitments. Working with 2020 Exhibits, we can help. Together, we can build it out as far as you know it and include everything, such as: key paperwork deadlines, sponsorship deadlines, payment deadlines, shipping timelines and deadlines and so on. Use this same calendar to plug in important dates for all your sponsored and additional activities. Using a single calendar will help you notice if you have an important action item due the same weekend that you’ll be traveling for a different tradeshow or event. Seeing all your commitments in one place can give you a sense of control and understanding of how to budget your time.
Share your calendar. “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” is an old proverb that forever rings true. Once you create your master calendar, share it with your team and event colleagues. It will help them get a better understanding of what you’ve got going on, and it allows them to help you manage your deadlines and plan activities accordingly. Plus, it’s likely that some things on the master event calendar will include action items and deadlines, which should be on their calendars as well.
Set milestones. If you know you’ve got a deadline looming a month or more away, set and share milestones, to stay on track. Some may call it the elephant in the room – big deadlines, which should be broken down. It will come as no surprise that large tasks aren’t nearly as overwhelming if you break them up into smaller tasks, but setting—and honoring—those deadlines is key.
Simplify the Process. There’s a lot of work to be done before you even step foot onto the tradeshow floor. Be sure to tap into as many resources as you can, to help you get there with greater ease, flexibility and success.
At 2020 Exhibits, our seasoned team offers a wealth of information and proven tips, along with an established, proven process. See for yourself and let us help you stay focused to deliver an extraordinary experience.