Most exhibition mistakes happen because something obvious got missed under time pressure, not because of a genuinely hard problem. This checklist covers the three phases — before, during and after the show — in the order they actually need doing, so nothing falls through the gap between planning and execution.
Before the Show
Confirm your show choice matches your actual buyer, not just the show's reputation. Brief your stand company 8–12 weeks out minimum. Decide shell scheme or space-only based on budget and design ambition. Choose your lead capture method before the show opens, not on the morning. Read your exhibitor manual in full and note every deadline — electrics, insurance, freight. Confirm your build-up and breakdown windows. Brief your team on messaging and objectives.
During the Show
Position staff to engage, not ambush — slightly to the side of the stand entrance, not blocking it. Capture leads consistently for every qualified conversation, not just the promising ones. Rotate staff on multi-day shows to keep energy up. Check in on stock, graphics condition and any technical elements (screens, lighting) each morning before doors open. Avoid the common first-timer mistakes: phones out during quiet periods, eating visibly on the stand, over-staffing.
After the Show
Follow up within 48 hours — this is where most exhibitors lose the value they just paid for. Qualify leads before distributing them internally. Debrief your team while the show is still fresh. Measure your result honestly against the objective you set before you booked. Feed what you learned into the brief for your next show.
Related Guides
See our guide to choosing the right show, shell scheme vs space-only, and our buyer's checklist for stand contractors for the detail behind each stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do before an exhibition?
Confirm the show fits your audience, brief your stand company 8–12 weeks out, decide shell scheme or space-only, choose your lead capture method, and read the exhibitor manual for deadlines.
What's the biggest mistake exhibitors make during a show?
Positioning staff to block the stand entrance rather than inviting conversation, and inconsistent lead capture — only noting down the visitors who feel promising in the moment.
How soon should I follow up on exhibition leads?
Within 48 hours, while you're still a fresh memory to the visitor — this is where most exhibitors lose the value of the show.
Does this checklist apply to a fixed-price package stand too?
Yes — the before, during and after structure is the same regardless of stand type; a fixed-price stand from the Stand Selector simply settles the price and design upfront. You'll still need to read the exhibitor manual for deadlines, brief your team, capture leads consistently and follow up within 48 hours for the stand to pay off.
Which checklist item is easiest to miss?
Reading the exhibitor manual for every separately billed deadline — electrics, insurance, freight — which many exhibitors only discover once a late fee applies. Read it in full as soon as you book, note every date in one place, and share it with your stand company so nothing lands in the final fortnight.
Want a stand company that keeps you on track at every stage? Talk to us.
