37 Things a Trade Show Booth Does

July 20, 2013

Earlier this year, I wrote a surprisingly popular blog post called “44 Things A Booth Staffer Does.” Some readers were amazed at the wide range of skills and tasks booth staffers require, while other readers wanted to share with their naïve peers just how much staffers actually do.

That led me to think about the job of your biggest booth staffer.  And I’m not talking about that body builder from sales, or the big cheese CEO.  I’m talking about your trade show booth.

Trade show displays are multitasking marvels made of metal, wood, fabric and more.  Just like your booth staffers, they’ve got a very long to-do list.  Imagine what it takes to build one thing that has to do all 37 of these things well:

  1. Build, enhance, reposition and maintain your brand
  2.  
  3. Support your booth staff
  4.  
  5. Generates leads
  6.  
  7. Be seen from a distance
  8.  
  9. Communicate quickly
  10.  
  11. Stop attendees
  12.  
  13. Help attract qualified attendees
  14.  
  15. Promote your benefits
  16.  
  17. Announce your product markets
  18.  
  19. Break your company into new markets
  20.  
  21. Tell your story
  22.  
  23. Host a presentation
  24.  
  25. Provide meeting space
  26.  
  27. Display your products
  28.  
  29. Introduce your new products
  30.  
  31. Recruit new employees
  32.  
  33. Advances the buying cycle
  34.  
  35. Host a press conference
  36.  
  37. Make a statement
  38.  
  39. Reinforce a themed message
  40.  
  41. Answers questions
  42.  
  43. Store your staffer’s stuff, plus promotions, supplies and electronic gear
  44.  
  45. Facilitate dialog
  46.  
  47. Scare your competitors
  48.  
  49. Reinforce business partnerships
  50.  
  51. Welcome customers
  52.  
  53. Change booth sizes
  54.  
  55. Change messages to fit different markets
  56.  
  57. Instill pride in your team
  58.  
  59. Impress investors
  60.  
  61. Minimize operating costs
  62.  
  63. Pass show regulations
  64.  
  65. Pack down efficiently
  66.  
  67. Set up as easily as possible
  68.  
  69. Travel without getting damaged
  70.  
  71. Last for years
  72.  
  73. More than pay for itself
  74.  
  75.  

Your trade show booth must be a marketing powerhouse, a great host, a workplace, and a versatile team player.  May you find the right booth for you.

What other important tasks do you feel your trade show booth must achieve?  Let us know in the comments box below.

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Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.