Don’t panic: last minute event planning tips

Time is a precious resource and when it comes to event planning, there’s never enough of it. For some, this provides a buzz of anticipation that makes them thrive under pressure, but for others this can be a nail biting time fraught with trepidation.

The most important thing to remember if your event is around the corner is to keep calm. Here are our top event planning tips to keep the panic at bay and keep you on-track for success.
 

Have a Dry Run

If you’re planning an exhibition, before the event always check that your displays are in good working order by putting them up.

Not only will this be a good opportunity for you to refresh your mind as to how to assemble your display to make light work when it comes to it, but it’s also an opportunity to check that everything is as it should be.

This involves checking your display for wear and tear and for out of date messages.

If your graphics have been stored away for a prolonged period, it can be hard to recall exactly what they look like. It’s always better to find out that you need to update your graphics before the event, rather than on the grand reveal at the event itself.

Prepare emergency stand kit

The secret to success (and for a happier exhibitor), is to go prepared!

Not only does this mean checking that you have your displays sorted, but also means creating a last minute emergency stand kit. These are items that can save your exhibition stand in its time of need.

It’s always hard to anticipate what can go wrong but being prepared with spares, disaster kits and staff aids can save your bacon. A few must haves in your kit include: pens, business cards, sticky tape and plasters.

Team briefing

Holding a team briefing for your exhibiting staff is really important in order to focus everybody on the aims and objectives of the event. It also provides an opportunity to talk through transport arrangements, time that everybody should promptly arrive, expectations for behaviour on stand (no mobile phones for example) and where your stand is.

Follow these three simple event planning tips and you’ll be set to have a great panic-free exhibition! For more exhibition tips, and ideas for how to make sure you and your team are great exhibitors and follow best practice, see our naughty exhibitors caught in the act infographic.

Do you have an exhibition or event coming up? Let us know how you get on with our event planning tips. Simply leave a comment below.