You get to your show floor exhibit booth, everything is setup properly (phew), lights are working, and you realize your forgot an extension cord for the demo laptop. #$#*#*!!!!!
We’ve all been there. Whether it’s your first trade show exhibition or your 100th, invariably you’ll wish you had something you usually have at home or at the office. Ten years ago we created this list of the most needed items that can fit in a small box that’s easy to ship. Today, back by popular demand, we’ve updated and improved the famous Clarity Quest Rescue Box List.
You will probably use at least one item every show! Here goes…
The Basic Box
Just the bare bones necessities…
- pens (multiple, different colors)
- highlighters
- small notebook
- index cards
- 6-8 Sharpies™
- duct tape
- clear packing tape
- extension cord
- electric plug bar
- Post-it™ notes
- rubber bands
- tiny stapler
- 2 scissors
- all-in-one tool (screwdriver, can opener)
- pliers
- Tube of Krazy-Glue™
- breath mints and gum
- dental floss
- first aid kits with generic medicines
- cough drops and throat lozenges
- hydration powder packs (we like Drip Drop™ or Vega Sport™ hydrator)
- 2 large trash bags
- large Ziploc™ bags
- box cutter
- one roll of paper towels
- small hand sanitizers
- small tissue packs
- disinfecting wipes
- universal converter charger and wall plug
- universal cell phone charging cables
- generic business cards (in case someone runs out)
The Deluxe Box
If you want to be ready for any contingency include everything in the Basic Box and add…
- zip-ties
- paper clips
- mechanical pencils
- various sized envelopes and stamps
- non-perishable energy bars, 5-Hour Energy™
- small umbrella
- address labels
- eye drops/Visine™
- lip balm
- tweezers
- reader glasses
- spare contact case and saline solution
- compact mirror
- mini sewing kit with safety pins
- hand lotion
- Wite Out™
- USB compatible thumb drive with original collateral PDFs stored on it (in case you run out)
- Small bills and change for vending machines
- contact phone list of all booth personnel and booth hardware vendor
- If women will be part of your booth team…
- 2 pairs of nice flip flops size 7 and size 9 (broken heels and sore feet are rampant at big shows!)
- hygiene items
Did we miss anything? We purposely left off items that are super heavy and expensive to ship, such as water bottles. Feel free to add your additional ideas in our comments section.
