The following article is the fourth and final article in the Exhibit City New showroom etiquette series. Please click here to view the first issue, click here to view the second issue, and click here to view the third issue.
blueprint for excellence
By Danelle Dodds, Exhibition City News
Trade Show Strength is rooted in its foundation. Without a well-designed framework, the whole thing can fall apart. For the millions of highly trained trade professionals who build, construct and support the exhibition display industry, their every move must be as precise as every measurement and cut.
For new tradies, performance pressure can be as tricky as building load-bearing walls. But every blueprint starts with a first draft. A large number of skilled trade professionals have experienced their first day on the job. We tapped Robert Smith, executive director and chief administrative officer of the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenter Technology Center (EASCTC), to share his insights. The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (UBC) represents more than 500,000 skilled construction and trade show professionals. For more than 140 years, the organization has blazed a trail of representation, training and education. As one of the largest construction unions in North America, their expertise in the labor and journeyman fields is only surpassed by their commitment to educating the next generation of professionals.
Smith provides us with the basic takeaways on how a novice businessperson can lay the foundation for a successful career early on.
Clear communication: The glue that holds everything together
Communication holds the entire structure together. Misunderstandings and mistakes often stem from gaps in communication, causing once-solid plans to falter. Here’s how to keep those lines of communication open and strong:
Measure twice, cut once: Poor listening is like misreading a blueprint. Even the best-laid plans can go awry if project requirements or instructions are not fully understood. To avoid costly mistakes, practice active listening by asking clarifying questions and taking detailed notes.
Make your message clear: Clear communication is what holds the project together. Without it, ideas would scatter in the wind like sawdust. If you cannot express your ideas or solve problems effectively, the project may fail. Think of your words as the nails that hold everything in place. Practice precise and purposeful communication to prevent erratic exchanges.
Break down the wall: In the fast-paced trade show environment, some may be hesitant to ask for guidance, fearing it will show weakness. Asking for help is like checking your level before laying the foundation. It ensures everything starts correctly. Asking for advice is not a sign of weakness; It’s a tool to enhance your work.
Lost in Translation: Misunderstanding a customer’s needs can lead to costly mistakes. Thoroughly review client briefs with your leader or foreman. Gaining a clear understanding ensures you’re building to your client’s vision. Keep the lines of communication open to align your efforts with your customers’ expectations.
Notice the gap: Not seeking clarification when unsure about a task or procedure is like cutting a board without measuring it first. It can throw the entire project off balance. Make a habit of asking questions and confirming details.
Industry knowledge: The nuts and bolts of success
Just as a carpenter must be familiar with the material, it’s critical to understand the nuances of the trade. Here’s how to solidify your industry knowledge and avoid costly mistakes:
A solid foundation: Setting up and breaking down a trade show display is a skill. Take on-the-job training, shadow an experienced carpenter, and attend workshops.
Industry Tools: Not knowing your tools can lead to frustration. Gain practical experience and attend training sessions to become familiar with different tools and materials. Understanding your equipment is critical to working accurately and efficiently.
Follow the rules: Ignorance of safety protocols and building codes can get you into trouble. Operating without understanding the safety parameters is risky and unsustainable. Participate in a safety training program, follow regular updates on industry standards, and attend daily safety meetings on the show floor.
Keep your tools sharp: Just as you have to sharpen your tools on a regular basis, you also need to stay up to date on the latest design trends. Attending trade shows and following industry aesthetic developments can help ensure your work is solid, stylish, and relevant.
Project management essentials: perfect details
Managing a project is like building an exhibition booth; every detail is important, and one mistake can lead to wrong results. Here’s how to make sure your project stands:
Major issues: Just as careful budgeting ensures no waste, proper material handling and efficient cutting techniques are also key. Plan wisely to prevent waste and keep everything on track.
Cost cap: Managing a budget is like laying a solid foundation: get it right and everything else will fall into place. To avoid financial pitfalls, keep an eye on costs, select materials carefully, and track your budget daily with your team leader or foreman.
Quality check: Quality control is the backbone of your reputation. Check in regularly, pay attention to details, and take pride in your work. Ignoring errors or defects can destroy the entire structure of the project.
Orderly behavior: Think of staying organized as scaffolding to support your work. Prevent delays and errors by maintaining a tidy workspace, providing ample storage space on the show floor, and making sure everyone has the right tools for the job.
Safety first: The basis of each project
Security is more than just a priority, it’s the foundation of every project. Without it, everything else falls apart:
Safety hazards: Attend OSHA safety training, perform regular inspections and follow safety protocols.
Master customer service: lay varnish
A project is not complete until the client is satisfied. Technical skills alone are not enough to solve problems; technical talent is also required. Attention to detail and a customer-first mentality are equally important. Here’s how to ensure your customer service skills leave a lasting impression:
Don’t let time pass by: In the world of trade shows, time is more valuable than gold. Failure to meet deadlines or cause delays can damage your reputation. Use effective time management techniques and set realistic deadlines.
Improve your reputation: How you act and look matters as much as the final coat of varnish on a well-crafted piece of furniture. Professional etiquette training and appropriate attire set the right tone.
Enhance customer care: Ignoring customer concerns is like improperly installed joints, causing friction and misalignment. Practice empathy and active listening and focus on customer satisfaction.
upgrade: Unexpected challenges are as common as knots of wood. Your ability to solve problems on the spot sets you apart. Develop problem-solving skills through experience, creative thinking, and guidance from team leaders. Mastery of this field is the mark of a true craftsman.
Other challenges: develop good habits
The final touches on a project can have a big impact. Strengthening your work habits will ensure a solid, long-lasting career:
Develop leading advantages: Taking a leadership role is like blazing your own path. Don’t wait for someone to hand you a map. Encourage self-motivation, delegate tasks, and recognize initiative that drives progress.
Collaboration structure: Working well with others is critical to project success. Teamwork is the interlocking joint that puts the plan in place. Each member combined gives the frame strength and stability. Keep structure intact, participate in team-building activities and create a positive work environment.
Framework flexibility: Even the best-laid plans may need to change. On-site modifications can be made on a regular basis. How you adapt to these changes will be a sign of your professionalism. Practice flexibility and adapt to new challenges as they arise.
The devil is in the details: Attention to detail is the tone that gives your work character. Focus on precision and continually perfect your skills to maintain high standards.
Understand the scope: When you’re first starting out, it’s easy to underestimate how much work a project will take. Accurate assessment is the level that makes your job go smoothly. Plan realistically and monitor progress to ensure you stay on track.
Sharp edges: Improper use of tools can cause damage or accidents. Get tool safety training, maintain your tools, and attend regular demonstrations to stay on top.
A solid foundation: Just as a building needs a solid foundation, your body needs strength and endurance to perform demanding jobs. Regular exercise and healthy habits help condition your body.
Code Compliance: Complying with codes and understanding building regulations is crucial. Attend regular building and venue updates and training sessions and work with venue staff to ensure consistency.
Balanced Confidence: Confidence is crucial, but too much confidence can hinder your progress. Cultivate humility and embrace continuous learning. Keep an open mind and absorb the advice of professionals around you.
Word accuracy: Putting your foot in your mouth will trip you up. Saying the wrong thing to the wrong person can cause unnecessary worry on set. If you have questions before talking to a customer, always ask your foreman or leader.
Hit the target: Punctuality and a strong work ethic are timeless. Manage your deadlines with commitment and positivity to maintain a good reputation.
Damaged goods: Accidents happen. The key is to deal with them quickly and responsibly. In the event of damage, be sure to notify your supervisor or foreman immediately. If something needs to be repaired or re-shipped before the show opens, time is of the essence. Concealing damage can lead to on-site problems and customer dissatisfaction.
By perfecting your skills and approach, you will stand out at the show and build a strong and lasting foundation for your career. Treat every challenge as an opportunity to grow, and you’ll build a future that’s as strong and reliable as the projects you help create.
Do you have any other suggestions? Share your insights here to continue building the conversation!
This article was originally published in Exhibit City News Q4 2024, page 17. 36. For original layout, please visit
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