Climate change is not up for debate anymore, so predicting the weather has become increasingly difficult. Just as summer arrives and more events, fairs and trade shows are being taken to the great outdoors, you now have to add “meteorologist” to your list of tasks, in order to offer a safe, welcoming environment for your staff, your leads and your things.

It is no secret that trade shows and events are huge investments. While there are very important things to consider such as quality, budget, return of investment, avant-garde graphics, training your staff and much more, if you don’t protect that investment, your marketing team can’t take care of everything. So, safety first! The scorching sun, mud, rain and wind can cause accidents or even fires.

• First things first: cover all the wiring, cables and electronics. Do so esthetically, no masking tape! Make sure you use all your resources at hand like flooring, racks and counters that protect all your electronics. Use the hardware to hide cables seamlessly while covering them with waterproof materials.
• Pay special attention to power sources, sockets, connections and check the integrity of all cables and wires. It is not enough to cover them if they are in bad shape. Your most vulnerable connections should be in the most protected areas of your exhibit to prevent accidents and loss of equipment or materials.
• Invest in quality tents, with backdrops and half walls. Not only will they protect your things, but they will create a welcoming, safe, more private environment for your customers and your staff. A good tent can cover enough ground to protect you from last minute rain, from exhausting heat and sunburn, and backdrops, walls, half walls and counters can also protect you from pesky winds that mess up your hair.
• A good flag can make your brand visible from virtually any standpoint even in the windiest of days. They also come in different shapes and sizes so you can virtually pick the best companion.
• Quality is not only important to your brand and to your customers, it also makes your investment last longer. Make sure to use materials that don’t bleed, crack or fade. Invest in high-quality visuals that look and feel amazing even in the harshest weathers.
• Think protection. Some counters and stands come with built-in storage so you can keep your valuables away for the damaging sunrays, the wind, and water. Storage can not only protect your things, but also keep them safe as some even come with locks.
• If it is kite season, make sure your investment doesn’t blow away. Use the adequate weight for the legs of your tents and stands to provide stability and firmness.
• Hardware materials are important. Choose materials that don’t rust, fade or fall apart under pressure. You will be thankful you spent a little more time with our display vendor choosing the best all-American materials available.
• Protect your investment in ways that are seemingly more subtle, but not less important. Visibility is a surefire way to protect your investment. You never know who’s watching or where they are standing, and your staff can’t be everywhere at once. Make sure your space is branded on all sides with double-sided flags, banners, walls and backdrops in several durable materials. This will make you attractive to anyone watching and at 360 degrees.
• Keep in mind floors can get wet, they can get muddy, and if they are low-quality, they can simply fall apart. Make sure to invest in high-quality floors that are easy to clean, that can also be branded to provide an extra good feel and visual and to make it more comfortable to spend time at your exhibit. Remember, when heavy rains fall, floors can flood, so don’t leave any merchandise or products on the floor.
• Use tables with elegant table covers to even further your branding efforts and to leave nothing on the floor. These tables can also help protect your cables as they can be taped under the table out of sight and out of harm’s way.

There are many unpredictable events that weather can bring. Being prepared will protect your investment, your team and even save your event. If you have a safe haven for people to spend some time while the storm passes, it could become the perfect opportunity to close a deal and acquire more customers. Prepare for such events and to have people stay a little longer with last-minute showcases, giveaways, activities or amenities such as fans, chairs, and tablets so they can interact with your brand. Think about what you would want if you were stranded at a booth until the rain passes or the scorching sun goes down a bit and make sure to offer a comfortable, safe and fun experience for all your leads.