Instead of waiting for international visitors at your trade show booth, consider taking your show overseas. Exhibiting abroad is a powerful way to gauge global interest in your products and services and to connect with industry leaders worldwide.
You can join a U.S. government-backed pavilion through export.gov or go solo. Either way, exhibiting internationally can be an exciting venture. However, transitioning from national to international trade shows isn’t straightforward. Renting an exhibit thousands of miles away, handling show documents, customs forms, and coordinating with a non-English speaking exhibit house can be daunting. Combine this with the usual challenges of U.S. trade shows, and the potential for complications increases. But with proper preparation, you can avoid these pitfalls.
Here’s how to prepare:
- Plan Ahead: Start planning at least a year in advance. Many international shows are biennial, so early preparation is crucial. Shipping exhibits overseas can take months, and customs can cause delays.
- Consider Shipping vs. Renting: If you can manage without your exhibit for a few months, shipping might be feasible. Otherwise, renting a custom exhibit abroad can save time and reduce costs. Shipping can take over 30 days, factoring in travel, customs, and unloading, which can strain your marketing budget.
- Understand Local Customs: Business etiquette varies by country. Avoid cultural faux pas by learning local customs, such as the proper way to exchange business cards in Asia or offering a beverage in Europe. Respecting these practices ensures your company presents a professional image.
Absolute Exhibits simplifies the process by partnering with top trade show builders globally. We offer exhibit rentals, catering services, translators, and complete I&D teams to ensure everything runs smoothly. Just coordinate with us early, set your standards, and show up ready to impress. We make exhibiting abroad easy.
