

Scissors, packing tape, safety pins, and rope are good ideas, too. Screwdrivers, pliers, and an adjustable wrench could come in handy. If you know you will be assembling your own booth, table, or displays, make sure to bring the tools you'll need. Of course, also dress for the weather you expect. If the booth is outdoors, you may need weights to hold down papers, clips or clothespins to keep tablecloths and signs from blowing away, and so on. Again, the event organizers may provide these, or not. Be sure that you learn in advance how much space the event will permit you to occupy. If it can match your organization's colors or just be brightly colored, it will help make your presence that much more noticeable. It will also help you look more official and professional. If your event is outdoors, a portable canopy, tent, or gazebo is indispensable for keeping the sun (or rain) off. Even if the activity is a beanbag toss or a portable putting green, it can bring people in for long enough to talk to them and let them know why you're there. Holding a drawing for a larger prize can net you a bowl full of contact information. Bring these to draw people to your booth. Better yet, allow your visitors to participate in some way, perhaps by trying out what you are promoting. If you can demonstrate something related to your organization (such as a product or service) or display the results of a successful project or activity, bring it for show and tell. If you want people to contact you and remember you after the event, plan to hand out business cards, flyers, or brochures relating to your message. Even a few dollars' worth of candy or a plate of munchies can get people to approach. Usable items (pens, t-shirts, bags) with your name and insignia printed on them can act as long-term reminders and even walking advertisements. Samples of something related to your message are ideal. A classic way to attract people to your booth is to give something away. A consistent look and feel between your different displays will help give your booth a unified, complete feel. Instead, use large, eye-catching graphics and save the details for your flyers.

Don't expect anybody to read large amounts of text while wandering by a booth. Additional displays can help to inform your audience, too. At the very least, have at least one large banner stating clearly who or what you are promoting. Your supplies will depend on the exact nature of the event and what you are promoting, but consider the following:
