u trying to achieve, and what planning do you need to do? Draw a picture and make a map of where you need to go and the things you need to do. Using pictures instead of words can add bewitching power and put a very different
perspective on your planning process. It also helps make it fun!
Expect the unexpected
Many of history’s greatest discoverers and inventers happened across their major discovery quite unexpectedly. Often, they were looking for something else. Remember Christopher Columbus set out looking for India, and lo and behold, look what he found! What are the two most unexpected things that might mysteriously happen during your next exhibiting experience?
Put magic into your thinking
When you ask yourself "what if" questions you stretch your thinking and plant the seeds for creative new ideas. What if ghosts and goblins were to roam the show floor? What if exhibit booths could fly around the show hall positioning themselves right in front of your major prospects? What if people wearing special glasses were the only attendees able to see your exhibit display? What if you tried this exercise?
Slay a dragon
Dragons elicit fears and fears often stand in the way of you doing new and creative things. So many exhibitors fear uncharted territory. You fear the unknown and you fear failure. Take time to look at those fiendish creatures that hold you back from being and doing all you can before, during and after the show. What dragons can you slay?
Learn from others
There are countless people and situations you can learn from. The key is being open and receptive, and in essence, being prepared to be a lifelong learner. Look to the past and learn from historical figures, borrow ideas from innovators, learn from others’ mistakes, use ideas from the patterns and cycles in nature. Where can you look for some magical theory?
Transport people to another place
J.K. Rowling performed incredible magic transporting people around the world to the enchanted magical world of wizards, spells and mythical beasts. In fact there is a wealth of folklore, mythology and history that shimmers beneath the surface of her stories.
How can magic you dream up transport your exhibiting program to another level?
Go where others fear to tread
When you exercise the courage to do something different, you take a risk. You have a risk muscle that you keep in shape through regular exercise. It takes courage, a pioneering spirit and a sense of adventure to overcome the scary stuff and seek out unknown opportunities. How can you exercise your risk muscle?
Believe in your success
Thomas Edison once said, "The value of an idea lies in the using of it." Believe that the creative ideas you conjure up will bring you untold successes. Now all you need do is wave your magic wand to put them into action. Which ideas will you start with?
The moral of the article is to never get caught without your wand, as you never know when you might need it!
About the author:
Written by Susan A. Friedmann,CSP, The Tradeshow Coach, Lake Placid, NY, author: Meeting & Event Planning for Dummies, working wit.companies to improve their meeting and event success through coaching, consulting and training. Go to
thetradeshowcoach.com' target='_blank' class='navigation'
thetradeshowcoach.comto sign up for a free copy of ExhibitSmart Tips of the Week.
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