Recently I was at a trade show in Miami, the Hospitality Design Boutique. Great show, excellent attendance. The move-out day came and I arrived at my booth to find all of my valuables gone. Laptop, plasma display, lights, ladders, art work, and even brochures. It was like the Grinch had been there. As I was filing the Police report a gentleman came up to me and said “We stored your belongings in fear that someone would steal them.”

With all the security at every entrance, 3 days of meeting and greeting, and a 4 block 90 degree walk back to my hotel I made a very poor decision. Fortunately it worked out for me. 

So here are a few recommendations I will make to have you avoid my mistakes.  

1. Think long and hard about anything you take to a trade show. Less is more. Make sure every item adds real value to your trade show experience and will directly lead to success. Be careful about information that is on your laptop. Do not keep customer or other valuable information on your computer.
2. Pad lock any trade show furniture together.
3. Ship everything in one lockable crate. Make sure the decorator can deliver this to your booth before leaving after the trade show is finished.
4. Do not leave your belongings unattended at any time.
5. Have a roller case that will accommodate your laptop and other valuables that you carry to your hotel each night or while away from your booth.
6. If you do not have one large case, box your valuables and ship them directly from the convention center before you leave. Most shows have FEDEX, UPS, DHL or other carriers on site.
7. If you have highly valuable pieces in your booth take the extra step of hiring a security company to watch these at all times during the trade show. 

These are a few ideas of how to secure your valuables at your next trade show. If you have ideas comment on this article. Also, I have included a few photos of cases we have used. Very big and safe.