Mike Thimmesch
Mike is director of industry relations for Skyline Exhibits, designer and builder of custom modular exhibits and portable displays.
11 Quick Tips for International Exhibiting
March 6, 2014
Are you joining the growing ranks of exhibitors who are being asked to take your trade show displays international? Ja? Si? Oui?
Let’s face it; exhibiting internationally is a daunting task. Trade shows are not easy to master, and with the added complexity of arranging your trade show booth in a different continent, language, time zone, and culture – well, it’s even harder.
But the opportunities are there, and your management is asking for you to make it happen. So here are 11 tips, provided by Senior Account Executive Leslie Hopkins and Project Manager Julie Comfort of Skyline Houston, and Director of Development Philip Foust of Skyline Exhibits and Events, who have traveled around the world with their clients:
1. When exhibiting abroad, you need more of everything: more time, more money, and more planning.
2. It may sound obvious, but take the time to research before you go – about the country, the city, the people, and the show regulations.
3. Learn about cultural differences, which transfer to how local attendees do trade shows differently. What is considered polite and “politically correct” changes from country to country.
4. Different cultures need different common phrases, even when you are communicating in English. When emailing outside of the United States, it’s better to write “can you please?” instead of “will you please …”
5. You have to remain flexible, even more so than domestically.
6. Have cash in pocket!! You find out that in some places you can’t use credit cards, but have to pay in cash, such as in Rome, where you pay cash to get electric. Have cash for emergencies.
7. You must let go of your usual expectations. For example, there are no plug-in extension cords in Brazil– instead they wrap raw wire with tape!
8. The exhibition venues can be so different – such as halls in the Middle East not having enough air conditioning.
9. Getting a trade show exhibit through customs can be daunting. Better to rent locally if you have a trusted source in country.
10. Contact your cell phone carrier in advance and ask if you can use your phone overseas, and ask for one month international services. But ask how much the calls, data, and texts will cost so there are no surprises.
11. If your products or equipment are heavy and you need to ship them to the show, plan far ahead so you can ship earlier and cheaper by boat. And yes, international shipping is harder.
It’s a big world, and someone’s got to exhibit in it. When you are asked to take the plunge across the pond, take a deep breath and relax. There’s a world of opportunity waiting for you. Give yourself time to prepare, and go for it.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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