Full Version: Trade Show Electricity??
From: Mindy (MKING) [#1]
26 Jun 2006
To: ALL
Hi everyone!
This is going to sound like a really dumb question, but when you set up at trade shows, what is the electrical situation?
I have several shows coming up in the next few weeks and I have requested electricity so I can take my heat press (110V), printer, and laptop and make orders on the spot (dye sub items). The laptop will only need to be plugged in periodically as the battery needs to be recharged.
I am uncertain what kind of cords / surge protectors I should use. I don't want to fry any of my equipment and I DO NOT want to electrocute myself (been there, done that, once is enough!) >.< . Does anyone have suggestions?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Mindy
From: Zippos (CARDSPLUS) [#2]
26 Jun 2006
To: Mindy (MKING) [#1] 26 Jun 2006
Mindy,
When we do trade shows, electicity along with tables, chairs, wastepaper baskets, etc. are all extra. We have reduced costs by bringing some of our own or buying from the local WalMart and then throwing them out.
Mike
From: Mindy (MKING) [#3]
26 Jun 2006
To: Zippos (CARDSPLUS) [#2] 26 Jun 2006
From: Zippos (CARDSPLUS) [#4]
26 Jun 2006
To: Mindy (MKING) [#3] 26 Jun 2006
Mindy,
I would check with the show promoter what they are offering by way of power. You may need them to send extra based on what machinery you are going to set up. Probably will cost you extra, but at least everything will be working.
I would definitely bring some extra heavy duty extension cords though. That way you can have the power brought in without overloading a single circuit causing you an outtage.
Best of luck,
Mike
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#5]
26 Jun 2006
To: Mindy (MKING) [#1] 26 Jun 2006
Trade shows I've done, when you pay for electricity, supply you with one outlet somewhere near the back of the booth (sometimes not even quite at the booth).
You need to bring all the splitters and extension cords. Bring heavy duty ones. Also, make sure how many amps they will be supplying. You might need to pay extra to get more than one 15 amp circuit.
From: sunny (SUNSHINE5555) [#6]
26 Jun 2006
To: Mindy (MKING) [#1] 26 Jun 2006
As others said, you probably have only one outlet (2 plugins) somewhere in the vicinity of your booth.
We carry an APC power backup/surge protector 500VA or two (depends on what we are taking and the size of the booth) - yes it weighs about 10 lbs but worth it. It gives us about 3-10 minutes to power down if necessary. Electricity at most of these places can range from good to very bad, so definitely protect your equipment. It has 8 plugins if I remember rightly and we plug it into the the outlet and use the extension cords from the power backup/surge protector. These cost about $60 if I remember right.
Extension cords should be heavy with a ground. Household type won't work and if the fire inspector is on the job, will make you get new ones. They don't have to be industrial strength, but heavier than household.
From: Patty (PDI) [#7]
27 Jun 2006
To: Mindy (MKING) [#3] 27 Jun 2006
I've done shows where I wasn't allowed to use my own tables. They wanted a certain "look." I personally think they wanted the rental fee.
Patty
From: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#8]
27 Jun 2006
To: Patty (PDI) [#7] 27 Jun 2006
Was it run by some group that doesn't do many trade shows? At most large trade shows the companies with bigger budgets not only bring their own tables, but bring the whole booth. The only booths that usually look the same are the ones where people don't have the money for their own furniture or props/backdrop.
My brother has made some pretty good money designing trade show booths for high end companies.
From: Patty (PDI) [#9]
27 Jun 2006
To: Dave Jones (DAVERJ) [#8] 28 Jun 2006
It was a non-profit agency running a craft show that was more interested in appearances than traffic flow or space efficiency. The wanted matching tablecloths and floral centerpieces like it was a country club dinner instead of a workspace.
I firmly believe in attractive presentation of the merchandise. but when I lose 10% of the display space, I view it as 10% of potential lost business.
From: sroehlk (ELECTECH1) [#10]
27 Jun 2006
To: Mindy (MKING) [#1] 27 Jun 2006
I have done a few shows.
Be very careful the promoters know if you have a high current need. Tell them what you will be running and the current draw. Current draw should be posted somewhere on any machines your taking.
Put it in writing and have them acknowledge it when you pay.
One rather large outdoor show that I have done has the worst electrical setup ever. There will be one receptacle with 15 extension cords hooked up through power strips. The promoters guaranteed 20 amp circuits to everyone. The circuit breakers tripped more times than I could count.
If you can't run your equipment there is no way to make money.