Destinations & the 5 golden rules of exhibiting

It’s exhibition season at the moment with ‘Destinations’ at Earls Court this weekend and the NEC at the end of February. This year we’ve gone for a purpose built stand – it’s been something of a dilemma, whether to go for the DIY option or employ a company to do the design which may look a bit a corporate. Well, if you go to the show, do let me have some feedback. The exhibitions are always a great way to chat through ideas and meet up with clients old and new, there are however, a few unwritten (until now) golden rules about exhibiting:

1. There’s always one country that everyone wants to talk about, last year it was Japan and the year before Madagascar, there’s no way to plan for it with having extra people there.

2. It always snows! For the last six year it has always snowed for one of the Destinations shows – and what’s the weather forecast for this weekend – wintery conditions, well that will be snow then.

3. There is always a hippy. I have nothing against hippies at all, but you can guarantee at the busiest hour, on the busiest day, Ms Tiedyeskirt will want to talk you through every second of her six month trip through central Africa on a budget of 16p a week. It’s undoubtedly fascinating but not just now thanks.

4. Laughing therapy – always next to the stand. I’m sure it works (maybe) but when you’re next to the stage and it’s the sixth session of the fourth day it’s all worn a bit thin and screaming therapy (or a beer) seems more appropriate.

5. The 5.25pm time waster. There’s always one, they have 86 carrier bags packed with brochures and handouts, an anorak purchased in 1978 and an enormous amount of time to talk about anything, usually unrelated to travel. Experienced exhibitionistas can spot them a mile off and retreat to the back of the stand pushing their more naive colleagues forward with a ‘just wants a brochure, could you have a quick word, I’ve got to tidy the stand’ and a knowing wink to other colleagues. With a fatigued smile young Jo steps forward to finally be relieved 45 minutes later by a security card ‘we’re locking up now luv’.

We’ll be at the Destinations shows, come sun or snow, at Earls Court (31st Jan – 3rd Feb) and the NEC (29th Feb – 2nd March) – do stop by to discuss your plans or just to say hello.