How to Exhibit in Latin America and Not 'Die-ing': A Playful Guide to Trade Show Success
?Hey there, fellow adventurers of the exhibition world! As a seasoned traveler in the realm of trade shows for over 25 years, I've had the honor of witnessing the good, the bad, and the hilariously disastrous moments of executing successful projects. And let me tell you, when it comes to Latin America and certain developing countries, they share a unique exhibition culture, where your booth can either soar to majestic heights or crash and burn like a flaming disco ball in Dante's eighth (of the nine) circle of hell. #TradeShowAdventures #WildExperiences
So, gather 'round and let me regale you with a treasure trove of experiences-some filled with tears of laughter, others with sighs of relief-that have allowed me to create the ultimate survival guide for setting up a booth at a trade show in Latin America (and some similar countries) without succumbing to the challenges. #SurvivalGuide #TradeShowTips
Setting the RFQ and some nuances in Latin-American venues
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty, my friends! When it comes to Latin American exhibition projects, be as detailed as a puzzle with a thousand pieces. If necessary, send material samples and request samples of the finishes you'll receive. It's like crafting the perfect dish-a pinch of precision goes a long way! #AttentionToDetail #SampleShowdown
Now, here's a little secret: In most Latin American fairgrounds, they won't charge you for drayage like they do in the good ol' USA. However, hanging points have become a sneaky cost in projects that require them, and only the fairground's technical staff can perform this magical act. #NoDrayageFees #HangingPointHassles
Oh, and guess what? Unlike some places, most Latin American countries don't have unions for exhibition workers. But hold your horses! When you hire your stand builder, make sure they meet all the legal requirements and mandatory insurance for each country. It's like finding a dance partner who knows all the right moves! Make sure it's all spelled out in that fancy contract you'll be signing. #UnionFreeZone #LegalMumboJumbo
Finding 'The One'
Picture this: Even an elementary school kid can whip up a decent website these days, slap on some stock photos, and conjure up magnificent renders from their parents' basement. But hey, when it comes to choosing a supplier for your trade show project in a foreign land, you don't want to play games. You need someone with experience, like a wise old owl who's seen it all! #SupplierHunt #AmateursBeware
That's where global associations come to the rescue! These associations act as gatekeepers, separating the seasoned pros from the fly-by-night daydreamers. Let me drop some names here: OSPI (Octanorm Service Partners International, https://www.ospi-network.com/ ) , IFES (The International Federation of Exhibition & Event Services, https://www.ifesnet.com/about-us/), EDPA (The Experiential Designers and Producers Association, https://www.edpa.com/ ). These folks have the golden key to success! #GlobalAssociationsRock #KeyToSuccess
And guess what? Latin America has its own set of superhero associations! We've got Argentina AOCA, Colombia AIFEC, Peru AFEP, Mexico AMPROFEC, and Brazil ABRACE. They are the guardians of trade shows in their respective lands!
Engaging with these organizations is like joining a secret society of trade show excellence. They'll hook you up with top-notch recommendations for potential partners in crime-I mean, partners for your project. #SecretSociety #TradeShowPartners
But wait, there's more! Let's uncover another hidden gem: your local stand builder. They know the ins and outs of the trade show world, and if you're already their valued client, they won't steer you wrong. Trust their judgment and tap into their network. They've got your back! #LocalHeroes #TrustedAllies
Now, here's a word of advice: Don't always stick with the official contractor. Sometimes, they might leave your project hanging in the "back of the truck." Not every big company can handle the individual charm of your project. So, if you choose this route, demand a dedicated, independent team from the get-go. Remember, Latin America is a land of skilled workers ready to make your dreams come true! #ProjectCharmers
The exhibition industry has thrived in Latin America for over a century, my friends! So, when it comes to choosing exhibition companies, go for the ones with a minimum of 10 years in the market. They've weathered storms and shown resilience in the post-pandemic era. They're like the phoenix rising from the ashes of trade show chaos! #CenturyOfExhibitions #ResilientPartners
Now, let's talk communication. It's like a language of love between you and your partners. Insist on fluent English from the very beginning. If you find yourself struggling to explain that you need not just two screens, but a dazzling array of eight, trust me, it won't magically improve later on. Keep those lines of communication crystal clear to ensure a smooth process from start to finish! #LanguageOfLove #CrystalClearComms
Choosing it!
Alright, folks, it's decision time! Here are the criteria I use to crown the winner of my contest:
Experience:
Years in the market, international commercial references, international projects in the past 3 years, certifications, and associations they belong to. Show me what you've got!
Clarity and Speed:
How quick and precise are their responses? I don't have time for dilly-dallying!
Value for Money:
It's not just about the cheapest option. I want the best bang for my buck! Don't be fooled by those tempting bargains that lead to nightmares. Been there, done that!
Extra Value:
Who offers me that extra sparkle, that little something-something? Surprise me!
Gut Feeling:
Sometimes, you just gotta trust your instincts. How do I vibe with their project manager? Are we a match made in trade show heaven? #WinnerCriteria #TrustYourGut
The Development Process
Congratulations on finding 'The One'! Now, it's time to dive into the development process headfirst. If your project consists of more than four units measuring 9 x 9 feet, make a bold move! Request a warehouse pre-assembly at least two weeks before the show or at least a part of the project. It's like getting a sneak peek of the magic before the curtain rises. Arrange a video call, witness the overall structure, and bask in the glory of the finishes offered. It's showtime! #SneakPeek #PreAssemblyMagic
Oh, and don't forget about electrical power, my friends. In Latin America, it's either 110V or 220V, depending on the country. Double-check those voltage requirements to avoid any shocking surprises. We want sparks of success, not sparks of electrical mishaps! #PowerUp #VoltageCheck
That Scary Thing Called Customs
Gather 'round, for I have a cautionary tale from my past. Picture this: an oil show in Lima, Peru. My client, a national oil company, wanted the biggest booth ever. And as giveaways, they decided on full-sized oil barrels. Now, here's where the fun begins! Little did we know that navigating customs with giant oil barrels would be like entering a labyrinth guarded by the Minotaur himself. Customs officers stared at us in disbelief, wondering if we had lost our minds. But fear not, my fellow adventurers, for I have learned valuable lessons to spare you from such customs calamities! #CustomsAdventure #BarrelBloopers
First and foremost, research the customs regulations of your destination country like your life depends on it-because it just might! Understand the rules, restrictions, and necessary paperwork for importing your booth materials and giveaways. It's like deciphering an ancient treasure map, leading you to smooth customs sailing. #ResearchMaster
Next, establish a close relationship with your local customs broker. They are the magical wizards who can guide you through the intricacies of customs procedures. Trust them, provide all the necessary information, and let them work their customs magic. Remember, a reliable customs broker (Better if they are the official one from the show) is worth their weight in gold! #Customsfortradeshow #exhibitorsmanual
Now, brace yourselves for the unexpected. Customs officials might request additional documentation, impose surprise fees, or perform impromptu inspections. Stay calm, my friends, and keep a smile on your face. A positive attitude can work wonders in diffusing tense situations. After all, you're here to conquer trade shows, not customs chaos! #ExpectTheUnexpected #PositiveVibes
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And here's a secret weapon: bribery is a big no-no! Don't even think about it. Play by the rules, maintain your integrity, and trust in the power of proper documentation and honest dealings. Remember, it's better to have a clean conscience than a booth stuck in customs purgatory. #IntegrityFirst #NoBriberyZone
Housing and Transportation
A hotel located within 5 km of the exhibition center is always a blessing. Latin American capitals, apart from their stunning beauty and friendly, joyful people, have some of the most challenging traffic in the world. Trust me when I say that after a long day on your feet at your booth, you'll want to quickly get back to your hotel room, soak your feet in the bathtub, and order a club sandwich for room service. #ConvenientAccommodation #TransportationOptions
Need late transportation? That's easy—Uber. It's affordable, safe, and fast. In all major cities, you'll find it readily available! #Uber #TransportationServices
Setting Up
Insist on the official delivery of your project at least 24 hours before the show's opening. And make some 72 and 48 hours on ground visit, just to say hi!, This will grant you ample time to make any necessary adjustments or fine-tuning to your exhibition, leaving the last setup day for your team to add the finishing touches. #SetupTimeline #LastMinuteAdjustments
The Show Must Go On!
Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for-the trade show itself! It's time to unleash your booth's full potential and captivate visitors like never before. So, here are some trade show hacks to keep the show running smoothly:
Be the showstopper:
Embrace the culture and vibrancy of Latin America in your booth design. Add pops of color, lively music, and maybe even a dance performance to attract a crowd. Let your booth become the talk of the trade show town! #ShowstopperBooth #VibrantVibes
Engage, engage, engage:
Interact with attendees like a professional game show host. Host interactive games, offer irresistible giveaways, and create memorable experiences. Remember, engagement is the key to forging meaningful connections and leaving a lasting impression. #EngageLikeAPro #MemorableMoments
Embrace the local flavors:
Surprise visitors with a taste of your country. Offer your traditional snacks, drinks, or even a mini dance lesson. Let them experience the essence of your region and leave with a unique memory of your booth. #FlavorfulEncounters #LatinTreats
Social media frenzy:
Don't forget to create a buzz on social media. Encourage attendees to share their trade show experience using a dedicated hashtag, organize contests, and offer social media-worthy photo opportunities. Let the virtual world join in the fun and extend your booth's reach beyond the physical space. #SocialMediaFrenzy #VirtualBuzz
Follow up and follow through:
After the trade show, don't let your connections fade away like a fleeting dream. Follow up with leads promptly, nurture relationships, and deliver on promises made during the event. Be the exhibitor who stands out by providing exceptional post-show care. #FollowUpSuccess #ExceedExpectations
So there you have it, my adventurous comrades-the playful guide to exhibiting in Latin America and not 'die-ing'! May your trade show endeavors be filled with laughter, success, and unforgettable experiences. Remember, even in the face of challenges, keep that adventurous spirit alive and embrace the unexpected twists and turns.
The trade show jungle awaits, so go forth and conquer!
And always remember, trade shows are not just about business-they're about forging connections, experiencing new cultures, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. So, get ready to dance to the rhythm of Latin America, savor the flavors of success, and celebrate the magic of trade shows in this vibrant and exhilarating land!
I'd love to hear any other juicy tidbits, cool hacks, or hilarious anecdotes you'd like to sprinkle onto this roadmap! I'm all ears!
Safe travels, my fellow trade show adventurers, and may your booths shine brighter than a disco ball in the Latin American night sky!
Cheers to all of you see you on floor grounds!