When you’re preparing for a trade show, it’s easy to focus on the big elements—your booth, signage, and products. But the success of your exhibit often depends on the smaller, easy-to-overlook details. Forget them, and you could find yourself scrambling in the middle of a busy show day.

Here’s a quick guide to the items seasoned exhibitors never leave behind.

1. Back-Up Print Materials
   Always bring more brochures, business cards, and printed materials than you think you’ll need. Traffic can spike unexpectedly, shipments can be delayed, and it’s better to return home with extras than to run out mid-show.
2. Reliable Lead Capture Tools
   Business cards alone can make follow-up difficult. Equip your team with tablets or scanning apps to collect attendee information instantly. Have a system in place to mark leads as hot, warm, or cold so you can prioritize post-show outreach.
3. Power and Charging Equipment
   On the trade show floor, power is a must-have. Bring extra charging cables, power strips, and portable chargers to keep devices—and conversations—going.
4. An Emergency Fix-It Kit
   Small problems can derail your booth if you’re not prepared. Keep a kit with duct tape, zip ties, scissors, stain remover, a lint roller, and other quick-fix items. It’s a simple precaution that solves countless last-minute issues.
5. Printed Documents and Contact Information
   Don’t rely solely on your inbox. Have hard copies of booth layouts, shipping receipts, vendor contacts, and installation/dismantle (I&D) details. Quick access to these documents can save valuable time during setup or troubleshooting.

The right preparation goes beyond the main booth elements. By packing these often-overlooked essentials, you’ll minimize stress, handle surprises with ease, and keep your focus where it matters—on engaging with attendees and making valuable connections.