When preparing for the upcoming trade show season, keep a plan in mind. Nothing is too complicated when you keep it simple. Here's a simple guide to follow:
1. Decide which shows you'd like to attend.
2. Decide what the focus of each show should be.
3. Decide what needs to be done to accomplish your goals for each show (i.e. order premiums, design and produce graphics, secure a booth rental if you're not going to use existing, etc.)
4. Make realistic timelines to get things done (avoid rush charges).
5. Keep your vendors apprised of all new developments--no matter how far in the future they are.
6. Follow up, be accountable, and hold others accountable as well. Teamwork relies on dependability.

No one can be prepared for everything, but thus far life has dictated that the more prepared you are, the less disasters seem to occur.

Whose on your team? Make a list of the people on the job. What does each person do? If you make each person's responsibilities common knowledge in the beginning, you'll know where your team's strengths and weaknesses are. If you've got a weak link or an injury, you can head off a disaster early on by either reassigning the job, or getting more help. But remember, it's not always necessary to keep score.

Every team has a captain, someone to keep them organized and on target. Make sure your captain is someone that every one feels comfortable approaching. Communication is key to successful teamwork.

And finally, make a strategy. Devise your game plan in the beginning so everyone knows just what needs to be done, when, and why. Although it's happened a few times, you can't kick a field goal unless you're on your half of the field.