Full disclosure…I was never a Scout!

I should have been, but moved to another area in the city before I received my official Scout tie.

That said, I adopted the Scouts’ motto “Be Prepared!”, which has always helped me throughout my life.

Being prepared for the least anticipated unknowns in the exhibit world is no different.

It’s even more important than a bottle of water for an afternoon in an amusement park, since the financial risks are much greater.

Make an Emergency Toolbox to take to all your shows and update, re-inventory it for all shows.

Clearly mark which case it is packed in. Even pack an extra emergency toolbox in an alternate case.

Be Prepared!

Note:
* email all printed files to a Cloud account, in case of computer failure
* speak to your hotel and/or venue maintenance department who usually will have assorted lights, extension cords and, a workshop, if needed
(I even was able to fix a pair of boots in Calgary, after-hours, in my hotel’s workshop.)
* update and re-inventory for all shows
* verify that all items in your Emergency Toolbox are not Restricted and Prohibited Items for travel

Here’s an Example of an Emergency Toolbox
(Update & Re-Inventory For All Shows)

* 1st aid kit including bandages, splints, Band-Aids, pain relievers, antihistamines)
* cash in local currency
* protein bars
* water
* flashlight with spare batteries
* city map showing venue location and hotel
* a full PRINTED set of exhibit installation instructions
* flash light with extra batteries
* a printed Fact Book/File with:
* destination venue address
* venue floorplan
* exhibit floorplan
* local venue contacts (in case you need reprint graphics)
* packing tape
* scissors & Xacto knife
* pens (lots of them…they walk away)
* permanant markers in assorted colours.
* white gloves
* magic eraser brush
* fabric stain removal stick
* business cards (you’d be surprised how often these are forgotten)
* note pads, post-its
* highlighters
* stapler and staple remover
* extra lead sheets (more than you think you’ll need)
* digital camera with power pack/transformer/batteries
* paper clips
* rubber bands and rope
* sewing kit
* Velcro tape (hook and loop)
* duct tape
* carpet tape
* packing tape (clear and opaque)
* screwdrivers with assorted heads
* instructions for return shipments
* shipping labels for return shipment
* batteries (all types)
* extension cords/
* multi outlet power bars
* assorted light bulbs.
* extra struts
* Allen Keys (metric and British)
* screwdrivers
* hammer
* multi-function knife
* assorted nails and screws.
* glass cleaner
* cloth / paper towels
* Windex
* solvent cleaner
* super glue & epoxy (I once super-glued a client’s model that arrived damaged)
* cables to connect laptops to displays
* USB memory sticks
* assorted connectors
* assorted batteries
* universal power transformers
* a small vacuum cleaner or carpet sweep (you can’t always depend on the exhibit hall crew to get to your booth on time)
* BE PREPARED !!! and Good luck !!!

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