10 things you need to survive an event – as an event manager

I just got back from supporting a client at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona and, as I look forward to other major European events such as IBC, Medica and Electronica, I thought I would share just a few of the ‘must-take’ items from my event survival kit:
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Gaffer / Duct tapeExhibitions, rock concerts and festivals are practically built out of gaffer tape. ? |
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MultitoolMy preference is a Leatherman, but other brand multitools are available.? |
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Printouts of everythingImportant and emergency contact numbers, contracts and orders, your display area layout plan.?
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Comfortable shoesSmart, but comfortable. Not new shoes. Never wear brand new shoes to an exhibition.? |
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PainkillersA basic first aid kit is handy but?headaches are common at tradeshows due to late nights, socialising, and lack of sleep.?
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MintsNot chewing gum!? |
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Anti-bacterial hand gel or wipesShaking hands is a great way to make a good first impression, but it can also be a great way to catch a cold. Wipes may be more useful as you can also use them to freshen up surfaces each morning. Dust settles overnight when the exhibition hall is empty and dusty graphics show up under spotlights.?
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Black marker penYou?ll need a basic stationery toolkit, but the black marker is the multitool of pens ? not only can you label boxes, you can cover a multitude of sins on your exhibition stand or staff.? |
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Phone chargerWho travels without a phone charger nowadays? You?d be surprised how many of your staff won?t bring one to the booth as it?s still in their hotel room. They shouldn?t be on their phone while on booth duty of course.? |
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Business cardsIf you did a good job, people will want to know who you are. |
I had some great feedback on this blog so have created a more detailed?checklist, not completely?exhaustive so I welcome your comments!
Icons from The Noun Project:
Tape by Jack P Waterman | multi-tool by david | documents by Creative Stall | Shoe by Guvnor Co | pills by Nikita Kozin | Marker by Dima Lagunov | Cream by WARPAINT Media Inc. | power adapter by Anton Gajdosik | business card by XOXO | The Noun Project?