International trade fairs can unlock relationships with new markets, partners, distributors and buyers. They can also become a very expensive learning curve if they are done too quickly. The majority of International Trade Show Mistakes occur before the booth opens. Indian exhibitors face an added risk of foreign laws and regulations, shipping costs and restrictions, labour requirements and customs.
1. Treating An Overseas Fair Like A Domestic Exhibition
The most common exhibition mistake is to expect the same operating procedure to be used in all countries. There is significant variation in access times, electrical clearance, hanging for events, fire regulations, badges and labour regulations depending on the contractor.
Check Local Requirements Before Finalising The Stand
Ensure that tasks are confirmed before design approval:
- Rigging limits, maximum height of construction to be built.
- The materials approved and fire certificate are provided.
- The requirements for power, internet and compressed air.
- The schedule of contractors' registration, and the contractual moves-in.
These are real trade show mistakes to avoid, as there is a possibility of the costs, installation time and other issues being impacted by late corrections.
2. Starting Design And Production Too Late
One of the top Indian Exhibitors Mistakes are to postpone their booth selection till the last minute before the travel dates. Time for International projects requires design approvals, graphics, production, shipping, documentation and contingency planning at the venue.
Freeze Critical Decisions Early
Set up deadlines for inter-departmental work clearance, product, layout, artwork, AV content, freight paperwork and staff travel approvals. By having a good schedule, you can minimise last-minute changes, and International Exhibition Planning Mistakes can be avoided that can lead to disruption in fabrication.
3. Designing For Appearance Instead Of Business Goals
There is such a thing as a good-looking stand that goes poorly simply because the buyers aren’t able to see the offer promptly. Over-sized reception desks, lack of product visibility, too many people in meeting areas, inadequate storage and excessive word content on graphics are some of the common errors in exhibits.
Create the design so that it allows visitors to easily pass through.
- Identify key/essential products in areas that will have aisles of access
- Allow access points
- Maintain separate discussions and demonstrations
- Give a bonus for bags, cartons and brochures that are kept out of view
4. Sending Staff Without Show-Specific Training
The training of staff is one of the most important aspects of Useful International Exhibition Tips For Indian Companies, so it should be a constant part of it. Other commercial considerations to foreign users include the questions of certification, exportability, distribution, delivery schedule, pricing or local services.
Assign Clear Roles On The Stand
Determine who will answer technical questions, who will be the senior buyers, who will be doing demos, who will be doing media discussions and who will be recording the lead. Before the next rep comes, they must know the following action that a qualified visitor took and the message placed on the booth.
5. Underestimating Freight And Customs Requirements
Logistics activities should be the least but not the last shipping and delivery activity for any Indian Companies Exhibiting Overseas. Product samples, giveaways, tools, electronics, documentation and/or temporary importation may be necessary for machinery and printed materials.
Packing specification, freight cut-off, packing customs documentation, delivery and return shipping arrangements before packing. Allow for additional inspection, delays and material handling time while in the venue for International Trade Show Planning.
6. Collecting Leads Without Qualifying Them
A badge scan doesn’t necessarily translate to a sales opportunity. Record the following on the record: What the person needs, who can purchase/authority, target market, estimated time frame and agreed next steps.
Simply use simple lead categories:
- Immediate sales opportunity
- The person to whom you sell to or through
- Long-term account
- Contact with supplier/partner(s)
- General enquiry
This quickens the response after the show, which makes it more relevant.
7. Waiting Too Long To Follow Up
Interest drops after the fair has been a bit hectic. Introduce the team’s lead owners before the team’s return to India. Share any documents, quotes, samples or meeting possibilities that were requested from your conversation on the booth.
Build A More Controlled International Exhibition Plan
Planning for the overseas exhibition, on-site execution, booth development and employee training and follow-up are key components of successful overseas exhibiting. AARS Designs is here to assist brands in designing, fabricating, arranging, installing, dismantling, and getting the booth ready for the show overseas in India, thereby reducing the needless gaps during the show. Also, it saves budgets if the weather outside of the installation changes in that discipline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common international trade show mistakes?
Common issues encountered are lack of planning, inappropriate booth design, inadequate staff training, poor logistics and slow lead follow-up.
How do Indian Companies need to prepare for an overseas Exhibition?
Before going ahead, Indian businesses must ensure compliance with the venue, customs clearance, permission for the stands, staffing and shipping timelines, etc.
What is significant to them for planning international trade shows?
Proper planning can help to manage costs, reduce installation times, enhance visitors’ experience and assist with sales follow-up after the show.
