Free International Trade Show Checklist Template
International Trade Show Checklist
Prepared by: [Your Name]
Date: [Date]
I. Pre-Event Preparation
A. Booth Design and Layout
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Finalize booth design, including signage and display materials.
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Order any custom branding items (banners, logos, etc.).
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Arrange for booth furniture (tables, chairs, shelves, etc.).
B. Product Shipping
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Confirm shipping dates for product samples and promotional items.
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Ensure all products are packed securely and labeled for easy identification.
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Arrange for international shipping and customs clearance (if applicable).
C. Marketing Materials
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Print brochures, flyers, and business cards.
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Prepare product catalogs or other relevant materials for distribution.
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Design and produce promotional giveaways (e.g., branded pens, bags, etc.).
D. Registration and Permits
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Register your company and staff for the trade show.
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Apply for any necessary permits or visas for international travel.
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Confirm any specific regulations for the trade show (e.g., fire safety rules, and booth height limits).
II. Travel and Accommodation
A. Travel Arrangements
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Book flights for all team members attending the event.
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Arrange transportation to and from the event venue (e.g., taxis, shuttle services, rental cars).
B. Hotel Accommodation
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Book hotel rooms close to the event venue.
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Confirm check-in/check-out dates and any special requirements for staff.
C. Transportation for Staff
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Organize local transportation (e.g., taxis, ride-sharing) for staff attending the event.
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Confirm transport schedules to ensure timely arrival at the venue.
III. On-Site Requirements
A. Booth Setup
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Arrive early for booth setup and review the floor plan for correct booth placement.
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Install signage, product displays, and promotional materials.
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Ensure all technology (e.g., monitors, tablets, laptops) is set up and tested.
B. Staffing Schedule
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Create a staffing schedule to ensure adequate coverage during event hours.
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Assign roles (e.g., sales, customer service, technical support) for each team member.
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Train staff on key messaging, product knowledge, and trade show objectives.
C. Promotional Activities
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Schedule product demos, giveaways, or presentations throughout the event.
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Plan for live social media updates, including photos and videos.
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Prepare customer engagement strategies (e.g., interactive games, contests, etc.).
IV. Legal and Compliance
A. Visas and Work Permits
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Confirm visa requirements for international team members.
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Apply for necessary work permits or entry visas for trade show participation.
B. Export/Import Documentation
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Ensure all product shipments comply with customs regulations.
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Prepare invoices, packing lists, and any required documentation for customs clearance.
C. Insurance
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Obtain event insurance to cover booth equipment, products, and liabilities.
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Confirm travel and health insurance for international staff attending the event.
D. Intellectual Property Protection
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Review intellectual property protections for your products and designs.
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Register patents or trademarks if necessary to safeguard your innovations.
V. Post-Event Follow-up
A. Lead Generation
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Collect and organize contact details of potential clients and partners.
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Use lead capture forms or scan badges for easy contact retrieval.
B. Thank-You Notes
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Send personalized thank-you notes or emails to key prospects and clients.
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Consider sending follow-up packages or special offers to engage leads further.
C. Sales Follow-ups
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Review post-event leads and prioritize follow-up actions.
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Reach out to prospects within a week to schedule meetings or demos.
D. Reporting
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Evaluate trade show success, including sales leads, new contacts, and brand visibility.
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Prepare a report on event ROI (Return on Investment) to assess the impact of the trade show.