Exhibiting Abroad: 10 Quick Tips to attending an exhibition Abroad

A lot of UK and Irish companies also often need to exhibit abroad to market their business direct to suppliers, partners and customers in Europe and further afield. Organising to exhibit abroad can be a logical nightmare i.e. you are not well organised and plan well for the event. Below we look at 10 very simple tips which may make things a little easier for you.

1. Plan well ahead. Without question, you will need to allow a little more time for organising to exhibit abroad, particularly is the country's language is different from your native language. You may need for example to do additional tasks such as finding a translator.

2. Do not forget that you will need to get literature and all printed materials including business cards, possibly translated for the country you are exhibiting in.

3. Consider renting an exhibition abroad or using a UK company who have experience in working at exhibition abroad and who can supply exhibition stands abroad. By working alongside an established company who are familiar with the customs of the country in question, and the exhibition venues themselves, the process for you could be significantly easier.

4. In the haste to organise for the exhibition itself, do not forget that for International exhibitions, especially some of the larger events such as the Telecomms exhibitions in Barcelona, accommodation can get more expensive and difficult to find nearer to the event. Consider booking your accommodation as soon as you are sure you will be attending a given event.

5. Consider the use of a local translator if you think this will impact on sales leads, meetings and your general goals, for the exhibition abroad.

6. At the expense of stating the obvious, DO consider flying to the venue city at least a day before the exhibition. Considering the budget your company may be using for this exhibit, do not be caught out by flight and airport problems.

7. Consider how you and your staff are prepared in terms of the local customs. Is there anything extra you need to consider culturally for the exhibition? Should your staff be taught how to great Italians in business with the kiss on both cheeks for example? Or how about the customs for greeting another in person, in China? In International business these things may be similar, but a little cultural insight might help to create a far greater positive impression on clients.

8. Try and learn even a few words of the local language. This will help not just communication with clients but will make your overall stay much more pleasant.

9. Consider if your communications will work in the country you are going to. Will your mobile phones work? Do you have the International dialling codes listed in case you need to call your company back home?

10. Have fun. Exhibiting abroad foremost is about business but it does not mean you cannot have some fun. Try the local foods, learn a few words of the language, engage the local people. Enjoy your trip.